[i By Bill Sullivan, Racing for the Troops]
[b WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (3-7-10) -] In a matter of days, the Sacramento based Racing for the Troops sprint car team will take to the track to begin the 2010 racing season. A three car team with much success in 2009, the kick off to the new season will be one that is bittersweet as they will carry on the competitive spirit of their fallen team owner and great friend, Steve Harris. In February Harris passed away after a very long, courageous battle with cancer at just 56-years-old.
With three very competitive drivers already in their stable and a fourth one waiting in the wings, the odds of a victory in the upcoming high dollar Mini Gold Cup in Chico could be very good for the trio, all of which have won their share of racing championships in various venues. One such driver stands out from the others when it comes to victory at Silver Dollar Speedway, however. Sean Becker will pilot the Racing for the Troops – Brian Sperry fielded #51 and is looking to lead his team to the winner's circle in honor of Harris.
Becker has championship titles in the California Civil War Sprint Car Series, the Golden State Challenge Series and at Silver Dollar Speedway back in 2005. In addition to the championship trophy he posses from the famed track, he has won some of the facilities most prestigious races there. Once of the sports most respected winning drivers, Becker admits that returning without Harris in their company is going to be difficult.
"Steve Harris was a great man with an enormous passion for the sport of racing and winning," said Becker. Brian Sperry and Steve had become close friends in recent years. Knowing how heavily Steve's memory will weigh on the hearts and minds of this 51 team, it's going to be a privilege to not only compete, but hopefully win some races in his honor."
Becker will pilot the Racing for the Troops #51 sprint car for numerous events during the years, including a number of Friday night events at Silver Dollar, select Golden State Challenge events and more. Additionally, Becker will return to the seat of the Scott Miller owned #2sb in the regional Civil War Series.
"Basically, when he isn't Scott Miller's car he will be in the 51 with us," said Sperry. "We will be running a lot of Chico races and we might even run some Placerville races to be ready for the Forni Race if he doesn't do that with Scott. We plan to run several venues during the year together."
In 2009, Becker drove the #51 in 11 of 13 championship events at Silver Dollar Speedway, the track the Oroville native still calls home. During the year the duo had 10 top ten finishes, seven top five finishes and a feature event victory. They finished fifth in the championship point standings overall. Becker also won his second straight Civil War championship of his career and second $5,000 Mark Forni race in a row at Placerville with the Miller team.
The Racing for the Troops sprint car team will hit the track beginning Friday, March 12 in Chico. Along with Becker will be Bobby McMahan in the #26b team car. McMahan is the 2009 Silver Dollar Speedway champion. Kyle Harris will return to action in the #33 mount. Last year Harris made a stellar run in Chico, finishing 8th in the standings in his first full year of sprint car racing after much success in quarter midgets and micros.
In the wake of Steve's passing, McMahan and Sperry have assumed the role of managing the race team operations in the year to come. The entire team is geared towards continuing their winning ways while continuing it's support of military veterans and active duty service members, educating the public on the needs of those returning from war and supporting activities which
Steve Harris Racing and the Racing for the Troops sprint car team has a number of marketing partners for the 2010 racing season. Proud supporters of the team include World Environmental Energy Incorporated, C & H Service Disabled Veterans Enterprises, Benic Enterprises, Butler Built Seats, SS Racing, Art Enterprises and Redline Oil.
Learn more about the team's mission or find out how you can become one of their marketing partners by visiting their website at [b www.racingforthetroops.com.]
- Bill Sullivan on Mar 06, 2010
- Article Date: 3/6/2010