[b Rossburg, OH—July 15, 2009]
The “Month of Money” kicks off for the World of Outlaws this weekend with the 26th edition of the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway in Ohio on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. A $50,000 payday again awaits the winner of the famed event at the high-banked half-mile. Over the years 14 different drivers have picked up wins in the Kings Royal, with 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser leading that list with six triumphs. Jac Haudenschild has won the race three times, while Joey Saldana has been victorious twice. Other current World of Outlaws drivers that have won the Kings Royal include three-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz along with 2003 Rookie of the Year Jason Sides. Recently, all 12 full-time World of Outlaws competitors shared their thoughts on the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway.
[b Craig Dollansky, Driver of the No. 19 DirecTV Maxim:]
“The Kings Royal is one of the biggest races we have and certainly one everyone wants to win. We’re looking forward to going back to Eldora. The last time we were there, the car felt pretty good. I was happy to get a race in there after breaking my arm there last year. It was good to get a race under my belt before going back for the Kings Royal. I felt real comfortable and the car felt good so I am looking forward to going back.”
[b Brian Ellenberger, Driver of the No. 22 Ti-22 Performance J&J:]
“I’m really looking forward to getting over there. It’s a track that I have been able to run at quite a few times. That’s always a big event and definitely one you want to do good at and get in the show. I’m real excited about it.”
[b Sam Hafertepe Jr., Driver of the No. 15H G.H. Plumbing J&J:]
“It’s a big race and we are anxious to get back there. We had a strong run there earlier in the year. We are anxious to get back there and see what we can do.”
[b Jac Haudenschild, Driver of the No. R19 Owens-Corning Fiberglass Maxim:]
“It’s a big race and everyone wants to win it. That one is probably more about the prestige. We’ve been pretty luck there and ran good there the last time and we’re hoping the (No.) R19 can get up front. I enjoy racing at Eldora. I really like racing the high banked tracks. We have done pretty good there in the past and hopefully can this year too.”
[b Kraig Kinser, Driver of the No. 20 Bass Pro Shops Maxim:]
“You definitely have to qualify well to do good at Eldora. Being the Kings Royal, does add a little pressure to it. Hopefully we’ll have things going good when we get there and have the car ready to go. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
[b Steve Kinser, Driver of the No. 11 Quaker State Maxim:]
“It’s certainly the time of the year to win some races. We haven’t won as many races as we would have liked to have yet this year. We were pretty good there last time and came about a lap short with a rear end going out. When you get to July and August that’s when you want to start winning them if you can.”
[b Danny Lasoski, Driver of the No. 6 Casey’s General Store Maxim:]
“We’ve come close over there a few times. I think we have run second two or three times. I would very much like to win that race and it would be very special. I would really like to get some of Tony Stewart’s money and take that crown home with us. It’s the “Month of Money” and if you ever want to shine, this is the time to shine.”
[b Jason Meyers, Driver of the No. 14 GLR Investments KPC:]
“It’s a big race and the first of the “Month of Money.” We were close with that one last year and the last couple of years actually. We’re hoping to go there and have a good run this year. We’re looking forward to it and we’re geared up for it, so hopefully we can get one of the big races this year. That is one of the things we have lacked last season and that was winning the big money races. We are really concentrating on it this year.”
[b Joey Saldana, Driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Maxim:]
“It’s definitely a big race and I think the prestige is what everyone looks at. It does pay a lot of money, but people don’t think about that, they think about what it feels like to put the crown. It’s an event and an event that you want to win. A lot of great race cars drivers have won it. It’s neat to be a part of and it’s neat that it is a part of the Outlaws schedule.”
[b Donny Schatz, Driver of the No. 15 Armor All J&J:]
“It’s a great race. It’s the start of the big “Month of Money” for us. 50-grand is a heck of a payday. I’ve only won it once. We’ve been good at Eldora this year and I can’t wait for it. It should be a good one.”
[b Jason Sides, Driver of the No. 7S Wetherington Tractor Service Maxim:]
“It’s definitely a big race that is prestigious and pays a lot of money. Everybody wants to win it and I would like to win it again. It’s a really tough race to make. Since we won it, I think we have only made the feature one time since then. We’ve had a pretty good car the last few times we have been there and I feel like we have a good shot at winning again.”
[b Lucas Wolfe, Driver of the No. 5W Allebach Racing Maxim:]
“I’m really looking forward to going back to Eldora, especially for the Kings Royal. It’s a race that I look forward to all year and a great event for all of sprint car racing. I’m definitely looking forward to that and hoping for the best when we go over there. It’s a tough event and the competition there is always second to none.”
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), Quaker State (Official Motor Oil), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, KSE Race Products, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo; Engine Builder's Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder’s Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.
- Tony Veneziano on Jul 15, 2009
- Article Date: 7/15/2009