This weekend will mark the return of Russ Hall to racing. Though the start of the season has been delayed a bit as he has waited to get the car all together, the Pleasant Hill, Iowa driver looks to be busy the rest of the summer. Not only will he be competing in the Skillz Motorsports #29 powered by new partner, ADG, LLC, but he will also partner with Jake Glasgow behind the wheel of the Blackbird Motorsports #59 with the Sprint Invaders and other shows in the Burlington, Iowa area.
Russ has been waiting on his power plant, and the Jackson Motorplex 360 one-lap track record holder will point his trailer towards Minnesota for some GOMUDDY.COM 360 action this weekend. “We’re planning on finally getting our car out this Friday night,” he says. “We’ll head up to Jackson for their Twin Features. We’re running a little bit behind, but in a week or two, we’ll be going full blast. We’ll mostly be running the #29 at Jackson and Knoxville.”
He is also excited about having a new partner on board. “I have to thank the guys from ADG, LLC,” says Russ. “They are concrete contractors from right here in Des Moines. They’re helping us out quite a bit this year. I also have to thank Waterfront Seafood Market of Ankeny and Kulow Trucking of Adams, Minnesota for being back on board. Rooster Graphics did a great job with our car also.”
Sunday, Russ will team up with Blackbird Motorsports for Sprint Invaders action at 34 Raceway in West Burlington. “I’m really excited to be driving for Jake and Jerry Glasgow with Blackbird Motorsports in their #59 car,” he says. “Hopefully, we’ll be running some Sprint Invaders and h other races in their area. I want to do well for them starting this Sunday at Burlington.”
The car, sponsored by Midland Performance, 9. and JKG, Inc., has been driven by Jake the last several years. “I’ve been operating this team for four or five years now,” he says. “I started with the 305 and we’ve kind of built it up. My parents are partners with me now and own the 360 engine. We’re at the point where we have some decent stuff. I’ve had three hats here as owner, lead wrench and driver. Any time you’re doing that, unless you’re a professional, it’s pretty tough.”
He explained why he partnered with Russ. “I’d like to see where we are a little bit with a quality driver behind the wheel. Nothing against myself, I can go out there compete and make the show, but when it comes to competing at the highest level, I’m not there yet as a driver. I think I’m there as a mechanic, operator and owner though. Also, with a family business, I can’t race enough and do this enough to stay as sharp as I need to.”
Jake sees similarities between his team and Skillz Motorsports. “I knew Russ was down an engine this year, and when I thought of people to call, he was at the top of the list,” he says. “He’s a really good fit. We come from the same background as far as our teams. We don’t have a lot, but what we do have is competitive on the racetrack. I race out of Midland Performance, and Russ has always had a good relationship with Matt (Rogerson) and Scott (Bonar) there too. It’s going to be weird not driving, but I’m really pumped to work together with Russ.”
Russ and the Skillz Motorsports team would like to thank: ADG, LLC, Waterfront Seafood Market, Kulow Trucking of Adams, Minnesota and Rooster Graphics.
Photo: Russ should have that empty hole under the hood filled by this weekend!
Photo: The Blackbird Motorsports #59
- administrator on May 25, 2016
- Article Date: 5/25/2016