Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
GRAYS HARBOR RACEWAY SHINES AS AN ENTERTAINING ASA MEMBER TRACK FOR FAMILY FUN
American Speed Association PR
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Friday, February 26, 2010) - Located just 10 miles east of the pacific coast and south of Seattle, Washington, Grays Harbor Raceway, an ASA Member Track in Elma, WA, continues to plan it's 2010 season. The season will be much larger than 2009 and will fall right into their motto as "The Fastest Way to Family Fun."
"We are in the entertainment business," George Wade, Grays Harbor Raceway Promoter exclaimed as he talked about his 2010 season. "We do our best to provide a great diversity of racing action that will entertain our fans each week."
When you look at Grays Harbor 2010 schedule you will see a great variety from Mr. Dizzy & The Crusher, Car Jumps, Monster Trucks, Extreme Motorcycles, and Mud Drags to the traditional sprints, modifieds, hobby stocks, midgets, hornets. You will also find some of the best dirt racing series in the United States visit such as the World of Outlaws, ASCS Northwest Region Sprint/Midget Tour, and West Coast Spec Dirt Late Models. You will also find an increased schedule as last year they had 26 events where this year they plan to have 30 events.
Wade recognizes the fact that his track is located in a tough economic area and he has gone out of his way from both the grandstand and racer's side to help and he has seen positive results as he lives up to the track's motto. "We have a family pack where they can get two adults and four juniors up to the age of 14 for $30," Wade exclaimed. "Where else can a family go for that cheap? Last year we averaged about 100 families a night, that is an average of about 400 more people in our stands."
From the racer's side, this is one of the biggest reasons why he renewed as an ASA Member Track, and that is the insurance program that is available for his competitors. "It's great, I'm telling you its great. By far it is the best insurance package I can have for my competitors," Wade exclaimed. Along with the insurance, he is grateful for how the staff at ASA works with him and other promoters, "What makes it great is how Shannon (Stenberg, ASA Office Manager) looks after it in the ASA office. The big thing that I found that when you have somebody that knows what is going on, you are so much farther ahead and she knows what is going on."
Wade sees the importance of the insurance package and he goes out of his way to make sure everyone who wants it, has it, "We are in a tough economic area. I make it available to the drivers, crew members whoever is interested, they fill out the form and they are covered," Wade said. "For what it costs, I can go home at night and sleep knowing that they are covered if they got hurt."
"George has done an outstanding job at Grays Harbor Raceway," Dennis Huth, ASA President said. "He has a premiere facility with a great season schedule that does provide great family fun entertainment. Like other promoters he finds that fine line of providing great competition and entertainment to be successful."
The 3/8-mile clay oval hosts five weekly divisions throughout the season on Saturday nights. The 6,500 seat facility also hosts some of the best touring dirt series as well, including the World of Outlaw Sprint cars and the ASCS Lucas Oil National Sprint Tour.
For more information on Grays Harbor, please visit www.graysharborraceway.net.
The ASA Member Track program is comprised of dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
ASA members in good standing are eligible for a $500,000 Excess Medical Benefit as well as a $20,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit. Coverage for the member begins while traveling to a location promoting an ASA-sanctioned event and continues until arrival home again. The American Speed Association, in conjunction with WSIB Motorsports Insurance, is the only sanctioning body to offer insurance coverage which extends beyond the boundary of the racetrack itself (complete details are available online at www.ASA-Racing.com).
ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC. ASA International, LLC or Racing Speed Associates, LLC are not related to or affiliated with ASA Late Model Series, LLC.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Friday, February 26, 2010) - Located just 10 miles east of the pacific coast and south of Seattle, Washington, Grays Harbor Raceway, an ASA Member Track in Elma, WA, continues to plan it's 2010 season. The season will be much larger than 2009 and will fall right into their motto as "The Fastest Way to Family Fun."
"We are in the entertainment business," George Wade, Grays Harbor Raceway Promoter exclaimed as he talked about his 2010 season. "We do our best to provide a great diversity of racing action that will entertain our fans each week."
When you look at Grays Harbor 2010 schedule you will see a great variety from Mr. Dizzy & The Crusher, Car Jumps, Monster Trucks, Extreme Motorcycles, and Mud Drags to the traditional sprints, modifieds, hobby stocks, midgets, hornets. You will also find some of the best dirt racing series in the United States visit such as the World of Outlaws, ASCS Northwest Region Sprint/Midget Tour, and West Coast Spec Dirt Late Models. You will also find an increased schedule as last year they had 26 events where this year they plan to have 30 events.
Wade recognizes the fact that his track is located in a tough economic area and he has gone out of his way from both the grandstand and racer's side to help and he has seen positive results as he lives up to the track's motto. "We have a family pack where they can get two adults and four juniors up to the age of 14 for $30," Wade exclaimed. "Where else can a family go for that cheap? Last year we averaged about 100 families a night, that is an average of about 400 more people in our stands."
From the racer's side, this is one of the biggest reasons why he renewed as an ASA Member Track, and that is the insurance program that is available for his competitors. "It's great, I'm telling you its great. By far it is the best insurance package I can have for my competitors," Wade exclaimed. Along with the insurance, he is grateful for how the staff at ASA works with him and other promoters, "What makes it great is how Shannon (Stenberg, ASA Office Manager) looks after it in the ASA office. The big thing that I found that when you have somebody that knows what is going on, you are so much farther ahead and she knows what is going on."
Wade sees the importance of the insurance package and he goes out of his way to make sure everyone who wants it, has it, "We are in a tough economic area. I make it available to the drivers, crew members whoever is interested, they fill out the form and they are covered," Wade said. "For what it costs, I can go home at night and sleep knowing that they are covered if they got hurt."
"George has done an outstanding job at Grays Harbor Raceway," Dennis Huth, ASA President said. "He has a premiere facility with a great season schedule that does provide great family fun entertainment. Like other promoters he finds that fine line of providing great competition and entertainment to be successful."
The 3/8-mile clay oval hosts five weekly divisions throughout the season on Saturday nights. The 6,500 seat facility also hosts some of the best touring dirt series as well, including the World of Outlaw Sprint cars and the ASCS Lucas Oil National Sprint Tour.
For more information on Grays Harbor, please visit www.graysharborraceway.net.
The ASA Member Track program is comprised of dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
ASA members in good standing are eligible for a $500,000 Excess Medical Benefit as well as a $20,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit. Coverage for the member begins while traveling to a location promoting an ASA-sanctioned event and continues until arrival home again. The American Speed Association, in conjunction with WSIB Motorsports Insurance, is the only sanctioning body to offer insurance coverage which extends beyond the boundary of the racetrack itself (complete details are available online at www.ASA-Racing.com).
ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC. ASA International, LLC or Racing Speed Associates, LLC are not related to or affiliated with ASA Late Model Series, LLC.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Self Announces Plans For 2010
PARK CITY, Utah – Karting chamapion Michael Self has announced plans to competed full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2010.
The 19-year-old driver from Park City, Utah will drive a Chevrolet under the Mike Naake / Motorway Motorsports banner – with Naake serving as the crew chief.
“Getting the opportunity to run the West Series full-time is unreal,” Self said. “I never would've dreamed that I would make it even this far, but now that I have the opportunity, I'll give it everything I can and devote every bit of my life to it.”
Self will also run a full campaign of Western Late Model, Super Late Model, and Stockcar Racing League events in addition to his 12-race NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season.
“Working with Mike Naake and Motorway Motorsports has been one of the best racing decisions I've ever made,” Self said. “Everything they do is beyond professional and top-notch. There's not a doubt in my mind that we have one of the most knowledgeable and capable teams at the racetrack.”
Following a very successful eight years in karting, Self earned a test in the Pro Mazda series and won several races in the Skip Barber regional and sportsman series.
In 2009, Self made the decision to move away from a Formula career and instead focus on stock car racing. After running a full Late Model effort that included a runner-up finish in September at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., and a pole and feature win in the United States Late Model Association, Self feels prepared for the leap to the K&N Pro Series.
“About a year and a half ago I decided I wanted to go the opposite way of go kart racing,” Self said. “I wanted to race NASCAR, even though I already had connections and scholarships for racing open wheels cars. When I was little and lived in Alabama, watching NASCAR was a big part of my life.”
Self’s effort got underway at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in January where he ran as high as 14th in the 225-lap feature before being sidelined by an accident. In Late Model competition, Self put together a sixth-place finish in a gritty performance.
The regular season for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West begins at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. on March 27. The schedule includes races in California, Arizona, Iowa, Oregon, Colorado, and Utah.
Major events on the schedule include three road course events: Infineon Raceway (held in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series), Portland (Ore.) International Raceway, and Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.
A pair of races at the one-mile Phoenix International Raceway are also held in conjunction with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to the race track.
The Iowa Speedway event on May 23 serves as the fourth annual NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-West combination race.
Race fans can log on to the all-new www.michaelselfracing.com to learn more about Michael Self Racing.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Washington State Racing Series (WSRS) for Ford Focus Midgets
Grays Harbor Raceway in conjuction with Skagit Speedway is excited to announce the formation of the Washington State Racing Series (WSRS) for Ford Focus Midgets. Ford Focus Midget drivers in the Northwest will for the first time ever, be able to crown a Washington State Ford Focus Champion. The series will consist of eight races, four at each track.
The inaugural season will see four two day events, with two at each track. The Series will kick off on Memorial Day Weekend May 29th & 30th at Grays Harbor Raceway in conjuction with with the opening race of the ASCS Northwest Region Series. Stops two and three will take place at Skagit Speedway, the second round will run on Dirt Cup Weekend, June 18th & June 19th, round three will be run on July 30th & 31st during the Skagit 360 Nationals. The fourth and final stop will be at Grays Harbor Raceway on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th & 6th during the Big E Weekend.
For more information about the Ford Focus Midgets class contact the office at 360 482 4374
The inaugural season will see four two day events, with two at each track. The Series will kick off on Memorial Day Weekend May 29th & 30th at Grays Harbor Raceway in conjuction with with the opening race of the ASCS Northwest Region Series. Stops two and three will take place at Skagit Speedway, the second round will run on Dirt Cup Weekend, June 18th & June 19th, round three will be run on July 30th & 31st during the Skagit 360 Nationals. The fourth and final stop will be at Grays Harbor Raceway on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th & 6th during the Big E Weekend.
For more information about the Ford Focus Midgets class contact the office at 360 482 4374
TC Motorsports to Introduce Boss 302R at Homestead
Auburn, WA, February 18, 2010-TC Motorsports will race a new 2010 Ford Mustang Boss 302R at the next Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida, on March 6, 2010. The team will take delivery of the car at Carolina Motorsports Park in South Carolina the first week of March.
The addition of the Boss 302R is a natural for the team, which successfully campaigned three FR500S Mustangs in the GRAND-AM-sanctioned Mustang Challenge series in 2008 and 2009. TC Motorsports Team Principal Carlo Sparacio says, "When the opportunity to work again within the Ford family presented itself, we decided to add the Boss 302R to our stable. We are excited to be working with Ford again and look forward to continuing and building our relationship with them." Ted Anthony, Jr. and Rick Edwards will drive the Boss 302R at the Homestead 200 race in March.
TC Motorsports made its debut in the CTSCC in last month's Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway. The #54 TC Motorsports Camaro GS.R of Anthony and Edwards finished 31st out of 40 cars in the Grand Sport (GS) class and 57th out of 76 cars overall. Contact during a first lap incident forced Edwards to race his way from 70th to 31st overall before pitting under a yellow flag to fuel the car, install new tires, and change drivers. Anthony continued to move up through the field to 20th in class as well as overall, but more contact later in the race bent a rear suspension component and forced the #54 to retire with only about 20 minutes remaining in the two and a half hour race.
The team is currently working on the #54 Camaro GS.R at its Mooresville, North Carolina, shop and has plans to continue its development of the car. "The Riley Camaro showed a lot of potential during the first race of the year. We're looking forward to continuing to develop the #54," says Sparacio.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2010 ASA Northwest Late Model Tour schedule
Marysville, WA (December 21, 2009): Officials of the iRacing.com American Speed Association Northwest Late Model Tour announced a tentative 2010 race season schedule. The Super Late Model traveling series will visit three Northwest States and British Columbia, Canada. The twelve race season starts on March 27 and concludes September 18.
Evergreen Speedway, Monroe WA hosts the opener and championship with one additional visit scheduled on July 24 as part of the Washington 500. The track that has held the second most 'Tour' races during the 26 years is Yakima Speedway in Yakima, WA. Two major summer holidays will be filled with two-day events at Yakima Speedway, Memorial Day Weekend May 29 & 30 and again on Labor Day Weekend September 4 & 5.
The series makes its first trip, since the dual series merger, to South Sound Speedway in Rochester, WA on May 1. Also the series makes its debut in Canada at the Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. on May 15.
Stalwarts of the series include Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, ID on June 12 and Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval in E. Wenatchee, WA on August 14.
The series returns to the fast road course at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA on June 26. Spokane County Raceway in Spokane, WA will host its second ever ASA NWLMT race on August 28.
The series returns to southern Oregon on a new date July 3 at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, OR. The night will include a giant fireworks display.
Wanting to keep the series at a manageable 12-race season, officials were forced to turn several other tracks down. Those tracks will be given first opportunity for the 2011 season.
For more information contact iRacing.com ASA Northwest Late Model Tour call: 253-312-1080.
Tentative 2010 iRacing.com ASA Northwest Late Model Tour Schedule:
March 27 - Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA (5/8 mile oval)
May 1 – South Sound Speedway – Rochester, WA (3/8 mile oval)
May 15 – Sun Valley Speedway – Vernon, B.C. Canada (1/2 mile oval)
May 29 & 30 – Yakima Speedway – Yakima, WA (1/2 mile oval)
June 12 – Stateline Stadium/Speedway – Post Falls, ID (1/4 mile oval)
June 26 – Pacific Raceway – Kent, WA (2.5 mile road course)
July 3 – Douglas County Speedway – Roseburg, OR (3/8 mile oval)
July 24 – Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA (Washington 500) (5/8 mile oval)
August 14 – Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval – East Wenatchee, WA (1/4 mile oval)
August 28 – Spokane County Raceway – Spokane, WA (1/2 mile oval)
September 4 & 5 - Yakima Speedway - Yakima, WA (1/2 mile oval)
September 18 – Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA (5/8 or 3/8 mile oval)
All dates are tentative and subject to change: Race distances will be announced soon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
HayWire Racing Release 2010 Plans
Tacoma, Washington –
2-15-2010 – HayWire Racing released their 2010 plans, covering some big changes, big ideas and big goals.
First and foremost will be the addition of a new car to the stable in the form of new driver Donny Engh climbing behind the wheel of the newly completed #29 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Street Stock. The team also welcomes some new sponsors to the #29. Pacific Northwest Motor Freight, Western Trailer Repair, Airflow Systems and Brake & Clutch all join the HayWire Motorsports team for the 2010 season as Donny heads to Southsound Speedway where he will contend for the “Rookie-of-the-Year” title in the Street Stock division.
Next on the list is the #68 Toyota Camry and driver “Terrible” Tim McDougald. With the construction of a new car continuing along, the team is looking forward to the debut of the new ride at Southsound Speedway where “Terrible” Tim will contend for the “Rookie-of-the-Year” title in the Limited division alongside Donny in the Street Stock division, giving the team a chance to double up on the rookie titles this season. Once again the HayWire Motorsports team welcomes Print Northwest, Ringers Gloves and Hargis Engineers back to the #68 Toyota Camry. The team is still working to finalize the marketing packages and bring back all of the 2009 sponsors for the 2010 season.
Finally, the team continues work on the #92 where Tommy Rasmussen will once again climb behind the wheel. Tommy’s focus this season will be at Southsound Speedway as the team looks to stay closer to home and unify their efforts with all 3 cars. With a goal of making the Miller 200, Tommy will be looking for a few preliminary events to gear up for that. The team is also excited for the debut of the new and improved #92 as it will change from the familiar Pontiac Grand Prix to a more modern Chevrolet Impala. Tommy will return to his familiar black/red paint scheme as well.
Updated schedules can be found on the team’s web site. Be sure to visit the team’s blog while you are there. For those interested, you can sign up for the team’s newsletter, twitter feed (which brings you the most up to the minute race day information available) or get your HayWire Racing team gear all while checking out the latest information on all three cars and drivers.
For up to date news, information and complete coverage contact:
HayWire Motorsports
14711 12th Ave E, Suite B
Tacoma, Wa. 98445
Or visit the HayWire Racing website at - http://www.haywire-racing.com.
2-15-2010 – HayWire Racing released their 2010 plans, covering some big changes, big ideas and big goals.
First and foremost will be the addition of a new car to the stable in the form of new driver Donny Engh climbing behind the wheel of the newly completed #29 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Street Stock. The team also welcomes some new sponsors to the #29. Pacific Northwest Motor Freight, Western Trailer Repair, Airflow Systems and Brake & Clutch all join the HayWire Motorsports team for the 2010 season as Donny heads to Southsound Speedway where he will contend for the “Rookie-of-the-Year” title in the Street Stock division.
Next on the list is the #68 Toyota Camry and driver “Terrible” Tim McDougald. With the construction of a new car continuing along, the team is looking forward to the debut of the new ride at Southsound Speedway where “Terrible” Tim will contend for the “Rookie-of-the-Year” title in the Limited division alongside Donny in the Street Stock division, giving the team a chance to double up on the rookie titles this season. Once again the HayWire Motorsports team welcomes Print Northwest, Ringers Gloves and Hargis Engineers back to the #68 Toyota Camry. The team is still working to finalize the marketing packages and bring back all of the 2009 sponsors for the 2010 season.
Finally, the team continues work on the #92 where Tommy Rasmussen will once again climb behind the wheel. Tommy’s focus this season will be at Southsound Speedway as the team looks to stay closer to home and unify their efforts with all 3 cars. With a goal of making the Miller 200, Tommy will be looking for a few preliminary events to gear up for that. The team is also excited for the debut of the new and improved #92 as it will change from the familiar Pontiac Grand Prix to a more modern Chevrolet Impala. Tommy will return to his familiar black/red paint scheme as well.
Updated schedules can be found on the team’s web site. Be sure to visit the team’s blog while you are there. For those interested, you can sign up for the team’s newsletter, twitter feed (which brings you the most up to the minute race day information available) or get your HayWire Racing team gear all while checking out the latest information on all three cars and drivers.
For up to date news, information and complete coverage contact:
HayWire Motorsports
14711 12th Ave E, Suite B
Tacoma, Wa. 98445
Or visit the HayWire Racing website at - http://www.haywire-racing.com.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Cindi Lux to Give Keynote, Offer Advance Coaching to PCA
For the 2nd year in a row, the Oregon PCA Chapter has asked the Northwest native Cindi Lux to be the key note speaker at their opening driving event. On Saturday March 13th, Cindi will be speak at the evening banquet to all the Porsche owners and media. Then the following day, she will be at the race track offering advance coaching for a participants.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
TC Motorsports Makes Debut in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge
Auburn, WA, February 9, 2010—TC Motorsports made its debut in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) in the first race of the 2010 season at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on January 29. The #54 TC Motorsports Camaro GS.R of Ted Anthony, Jr. and Rick Edwards finished 31st out of 40 cars in the Grand Sport (GS) class and 57th out of 76 cars overall in the Fresh From Florida 200 endurance race.
Since taking delivery of the brand new 2010 Riley Camaro GS.R in December, the team has been busy preparing for the 10-race 2010 CTSCC series. During the January Test Days at Daytona January 8–10, 2010, the team got the car on track for the first time for a shakedown. Various teething issues reared their ugly head, but the team and drivers worked through those issues to get within 1.6 seconds of the fastest car. Considering the lack of development time the team had with the car, the team was happy with the pace and felt confident for the race.
Edwards qualified the #54 TC Motorsports Camaro GS.R 26th of 40 cars in the GS class. During a first lap incident, the car was hit twice from behind, which forced Edwards to pit for a new wheel. After the repair, Edwards raced his way from 70th to 31st overall before pitting under a yellow flag to fuel the car, install new tires, and change drivers. Once Anthony got on track, he continued to move up through the field to 20th in class as well as overall. Within striking distance of 19th place, another car hit the #54 and bent a rear suspension component, which forced the #54 to retire with only about 20 minutes remaining in the two and a half hour race.
Anthony said, “It was a shame to end the comeback in such a fashion, but we proved that we could run competitive times, and make up 50 places over the course of the race. The team did a fantastic job, and though we weren’t pleased with our result, we were very happy with our performance. I know the team will be back and stronger than ever at our next race!” The next CTSCC race is at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida, on March 6, 2010.
If you didn’t get a chance to watch the Fresh From Florida 200 via live timing and scoring on GRAND-AM’s website (or even if you did), be sure to watch the race (or set your DVR for) this Saturday, February 13, at 7:00 pm Eastern (4:00 pm Pacific) on SPEED.
Since taking delivery of the brand new 2010 Riley Camaro GS.R in December, the team has been busy preparing for the 10-race 2010 CTSCC series. During the January Test Days at Daytona January 8–10, 2010, the team got the car on track for the first time for a shakedown. Various teething issues reared their ugly head, but the team and drivers worked through those issues to get within 1.6 seconds of the fastest car. Considering the lack of development time the team had with the car, the team was happy with the pace and felt confident for the race.
Edwards qualified the #54 TC Motorsports Camaro GS.R 26th of 40 cars in the GS class. During a first lap incident, the car was hit twice from behind, which forced Edwards to pit for a new wheel. After the repair, Edwards raced his way from 70th to 31st overall before pitting under a yellow flag to fuel the car, install new tires, and change drivers. Once Anthony got on track, he continued to move up through the field to 20th in class as well as overall. Within striking distance of 19th place, another car hit the #54 and bent a rear suspension component, which forced the #54 to retire with only about 20 minutes remaining in the two and a half hour race.
Anthony said, “It was a shame to end the comeback in such a fashion, but we proved that we could run competitive times, and make up 50 places over the course of the race. The team did a fantastic job, and though we weren’t pleased with our result, we were very happy with our performance. I know the team will be back and stronger than ever at our next race!” The next CTSCC race is at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida, on March 6, 2010.
If you didn’t get a chance to watch the Fresh From Florida 200 via live timing and scoring on GRAND-AM’s website (or even if you did), be sure to watch the race (or set your DVR for) this Saturday, February 13, at 7:00 pm Eastern (4:00 pm Pacific) on SPEED.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Caddell Has Everything But Racing Luck at Daytona International
http://www.mustangchallenge.com/
DAYTONA BEACH, FL—31 January 2010- After winning the opportunity to race on the high banks as part of his 2009 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Championship prize, Andrew Caddell had almost everything he needed to score a strong result at Daytona this weekend.
A championship-defending race car in his Ford Mustang FR500C, a championship-defending co-driver in Ken Wilden, and a championship run of success in Ford Racing Mustang Challenge competition should have all added up to a podium result to kick off the 2010 season.
But as the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Fresh From Florida 200 Daytona International Speedway took the green flag, there was just one thing missing from Caddells list—some good racing luck.
After taking the top spot on the grid for Ford Mustang drivers with his run to third in qualifying, Caddell felt like his car had exactly the handling it needed to move to the front of the pack on Friday.
And he was exactly right, but unfortunately, a power-sapping broken header meant that while the iRacing.com-liveried car handled great on the tricky infield sections of the 3.56-mile infield road circuit, it just didn’t have the legs to fight back on the long straightaway sections of the oval-based circuit.
“If we didn’t have such a good car, I think having this happen would be less frustrating! But when you have a car that was handling the way we did, we were really confident about our chances in the race,” said Caddell. “But, these kinds of things can happen in racing. I have to be happy for the chance to do this, and for the job that we did all weekend. I want to thank the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for giving me this chance and also to iRacing.com and Rehagan Racing for everyone’s hard work. I wanted to show my thanks by getting up on the podium, but it just wasn’t our day today!”
Team Seattle: Daytona 2010 – A Success!
The 2010 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona is history and while on-track results were hampered by mechanical woes, the pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital came home a winner. Almost $400,000 was contributed by fans and supporters, making this one of the best fundraising efforts in the thirteen year history of Team Seattle’s participation in the race.
Determination and Persistence Pay Dividends
On the track, the #41 Mazda RX8 finished 14th after starting 9th in a field of 29 GT cars. The race began in rain soaked “wet track” conditions, but drivers Don Kitch Jr., James Gue, Leh Keen, and Dave Lacey maintained a strong pace and ran in the top ten for most of the early parts of the race. Then in the late evening a piece of track debris punctured the radiator and the car was taken to the garage for repairs. Shortly after returning to competition around eleven o’clock, electrical problems struck and the car spent more time off-track being repaired. This put the car several laps down from the leaders. The team soldiered on during the night and at one point Leh Keen was setting the fastest pace of the GT class.
During a cold and blustery Sunday the car moved up several places but there simply was not enough time to recover the lost laps and the Team Seattle car finished 67 laps behind the first place car. Nonetheless, each team member agreed that the race can be considered successful because the team came together so well under adverse conditions. This bodes well for the upcoming Grand-Am Season with the next race on March 5th and 6th in Holmstead, Florida.
Fans Cheer on the Team
A group of about 40 fans and supporters from the Pacific Northwest was on hand for the race and they poured out onto the pit lane at the end of the race to congratulate Team Seattle founder Kitch who had the honor of bringing the car across the finish line at the 24th hour. Then it was back to the Team Hotel for a celebration dinner and the early return flight to Seattle on Monday Morning.
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