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SOLID!
The Infield by Paul Pittman
Stevens Point, WI (Feb 18th, 2005): Yes, you read the date correct. This
week's column is a few days early. After spending the better part of the last
month sitting in front of my computer screen upgrading websites and getting
things in order for 2005, this weekend has already been allocated as a family
weekend out. It's either that or face the consequences and, to be honest, I'm
too old to be going through that again. Besides, I like where the family life
has taken me in the past couple years so, now you know the reasoning behind
the madness.
I did spend quite a bit of time on the phone with IRA President Steve Sinclair
recently and aside from ways to handle upcoming issues, the main topic of
discussion was on teams that we can expect to see on the tour in 2005. As we
went on, it became apparent that this information needed to be made available
to our fans as well so, what better way than in "The Infield"?
A lot of news coming from "outside" of the IRA's main stomping
grounds. A discussion with Walt Whitney sees Travis and company back in the
family owned #9 for a majority of the 2005 season. Once again, their schedule
is usually dictated by their demands but a championship run was NOT ruled out.
Could this be Travis' year? There's plenty of competition already for the top
seat of the point standings. Joe Roe has purchased the second power plant
needed for a more than serious run at title #10. Joe is more than familiar
with the motor and the competition will more than double take when they learn
of it's history. Let's just say, it has already proven itself as quite
capable.
Factor in Kim Mock who is doing a little retrograde to his championship title
ways and doing a majority of the work on his new car (don't forget that he won
one of the 2 MAXIM chassis given away at the banquet) at home. John Haeni (the
other lucky winner) hopes to have "Constantine" continue her winning
ways and is doing a little retro-fit himself. Not to be outdone, the current
Champion, Scotty Neitzel, and 2004 Mechanic of the Year Rick Lemanski have
already been hard at work in the shop in preparation for a repeat. With the
pressure of a 1st title finally behind them, there is a air of confidence that
winner's know and share.
For the Minnesota fans, not only will the IRA's invitation to Cedar Lake
Speedway's "Masters" and the Deer Creek visit be dates to mark on
the calendar, they will have more than enough representation on the tour in
05. Joining fellow Minnesotan (is that a word?) Travis Whitney will be Jim and
Joe Kouba on a more than frequent basis. Not stopping there, you could even
see Jerry Richert Jr piloting the Joe Kouba #55 from time to time. I seem to
remember pointing out a while back that these guys were a tight knit bunch and
this really drives that home. Ad to that mix Alaskan transplant Billy Balog
running for "Rookie of the Year" honors in Brian Coleman's #4 and
you just may have a recipe for fun. Fargo (that’s North Dakota) pilot Matt
Folstad is also getting set at another attempt at the IRA in 2005. Other
Minnesota Matt Wasmund hopes to see more action in 05 on the circuit and
expect to see John Sernett out with his brother Tim quite a bit in a two-car
effort. John set fast time at the Dodge County Fairgrounds last season and the
recent additions to three dates there should make John smile.
Jason Solwold, who already picked up an All-Star win in Florida this season,
has already indicated that we will see Citywide Insulation's "Pink
Panther" from time to time. At the present time, the team does not wish
to "dedicate" themselves to any one track or sanction. In other
words: Running their own schedule as they see fit, not to mention having a
little fun. What's wrong with that I ask? I can think of more than a few
famous names in sprint car racing that got their start that way. This team
came so close so many times last year, you know their appetite has got to be
ravenous for a trip to victory lane.
Pop Quiz: Who was the first driver to get their IRA Membership in 2005? Hint:
He has won an IRA race in each of the past 3 years and he’s from Iowa. No.
It wasn’t Terry McCarl (Terry’s got his eye on much bigger goals in 05).
The answer: “The Magician” Jeff Mitrisin and he will be behind the wheel
of Ed Gifford’s #17 this season. There are not too many teams out there that
can boast accomplishments like that and I really think Jeff means to keep that
streak running. Another winner we can expect to see a time or two as well will
be Guy Forbrook’s #5 again. Guy has Sammy Swindell turning the wheel as they
run a part time schedule with the World of Outlaws, but Guy will have another
car ready for his buddies Brooke Tatnell or Johnny Herrera as their schedules
permit. We know Brooke will be competing full time with the WoO as well, but
do you really think he will pass up an opportunity to stomp on the loud pedal
in Guy’s car after last year’s success, if opportunity knocks? Besides, as
he proved last year it really doesn’t matter who is driving, the car can
find its way to victory lane. And besides, who says Sammy will stay at home?
In this business, you just never know.
A little closer to home, (if there is such a thing). Most, if not all, of the
75% teams from 2004 given every indication that they will be back on the IRA
tour again in 2005. Additionally, Lloyd Dykstra will be moving up to the IRA
410 ranks. Another strong threat for the “Rookie of the Year” honors.
Expect KJ Skelton at "area" IRA shows in the Simplicity #80. “Mr.
Excitement” Mike Reinke will run a similar schedule as last year as they
will once again be running the weekly Knoxville shows as well as quite a few
IRA shows for "The Pizza Man" Scott Cowman. (For the record Scott,
that isn’t my title but I feel I am more than qualified to say it to you as
another “Pizza Man”). Todd Hepfner hopes to run most, if not all the
entire IRA schedule. A hectic business schedule will likely determine whether
a title chase in the plans. We have already documented Rick Kelsey and Donny
Schroff combining their efforts on a plan at running the full schedule. Dave
Enders will run a limited IRA campaign unless additional sponsorship can be
secured the personable Kiel pilot. Look for more of the Walldan/Ptasienski 78,
as Mike will steer the car some, while Donny Goeden may fill the seat for an
occasional big track run. Scott Grissom plans on brining his #54 out and
running more regularly with IRA, at least in most of the Wisconsin dates.
Charley Osborn will run a 3rd car out of the Osborn Trucking stable on a
limited basis. And how about this as a closer? Howie Gleason has hinted he may
come out and play a little more frequently in his all to absent in recent
years #21G.
Know of anyone wanting to get into sprint car racing? A multitude of
opportunities abound as many teams are looking for additional crew members and
general help. In addition, the Midwest Speedways Safety Team is also seeking
qualified help on the road this year. Interested parties can contact Steve
Sinclair at siraprez@sbcglobal.net
and he can help point you in the right direction to a nearby team in
need.
So, as you can tell, my life in front of a computer screen these past few
weeks have not all been for nothing. In addition to funneling the news and
information, watch for some exciting updates at the IRA’s website at www.irasprints.com.
We are also working on securing a broadcast deal with the Sprint car Network
for 2005 as well, expanding on the successful trials we had in 2004. The
national and global exposure from those races alone was phenomenal! If
interested, contact me directly at ira@arppix.com.
In closing we are really excited about the 2005 version of the IRA. The
schedule provides a multitude of opportunities and as you can see, the car
potential is truly solid, and barring any early season mishaps, should remain
so all year. The core is solid, and throw in an occasional run by some of the
above mentioned part-timers and it should be a great year all the way around.
If you have any news about your team or just want some information on running
with the series or lending a hand, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or
type up and email to arppix@arppix.com.
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