[i By Bill Sullivan/Sullivan Images Media]
[b ELK GROVE, CA (5-2-10)] – Elk Grove's Billy Strange went up against some of California's toughest drivers Saturday night at Placerville Speedway as the Hoosier Racing Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Series landed at his home track of Placerville Speedway for the second time this season. For Strange, competing with the traveling series on the track he knows best is always a delight, especially when the night goes well like last Saturday.
In qualifying, Strange timed in the 24th position with a 10:966 second lap on the quarter-mile clay oval. The lap time was a solid one and nearly the entire field had performances in the 10 second bracket on a track surface that was challenging in the preliminary process before repairs were made prior to heat racing.
"Pulling a late number at Placerville usually isn't the best thing," said Strange. "So we pulled a late number and then the track changed faster then we thought it would. Our set up was a little off and I missed the right line. I was just holding my breath we would make the inversion and we did."
In heat race competition, Strange drove his way to the second position by the time the checkered flag waved where he finished behind defending Placerville Speedway champion Colby Wiesz of Colfax. The finish locked Strange a starting position in the 30-lap A-feature. With his success in the preliminary events, Strange avoided the grueling B feature for the night and was prepared to work his way through the field for the finale of the night.
"I noticed some smoke around lap three and started looking at my gauges and the scoreboard," added Strange. "We were on lap five so I tried not to pressure it too hard. Watched all my gauges. The engine ended up being just fine all night and ran great."
At the start of the 30-lap feature, the yellow flag set the tone for the event to come as a multitude of caution periods kept delaying the race until after the halfway mark. Strange started 19th in the field and used patience and caution to avoid traffic and press forward to the best of his ability in a very crowded and competitive field.
With the race leaders dueling in lapped traffic, Strange sliced and diced his way up to the 15th position before he crossed the finish line for the night. The finish was rewarding in the fashion that the team advanced in the field and left the track without any significant damage like in the previous week when a roll over ended their efforts.
"Our main goal in the A main was to run all 30 laps and shoot for a top 15," said Strange. "We missed the set up slightly and it took me a little too long to find a line that I felt was fast. The car finally can in with about five laps to go. It was a great result and as long as we can keep improving, I will be happy. 15th is our best Civil War finish to date."
This Saturday night, Strange returns to Placerville Speedway for the third Red Hawk Casino Championship point race of the season. Currently, Strange is ninth place in the series point standings.
Strange Motorsports has a number of marketing partners that they are thankful for. Among their supporters are QWK Racing Components, ART Enterprises, Rex Hutchison Racing Engines, Kevin Sharrah Designs, Swepco Lubricants, Pronol Race Fuels, MotoWear International, America's Tire, High Country Painting and Amerikote.
. To learn more about Billy Strange visit his official website at www.billystrangejr.com.
- Bill Sullivan on May 05, 2010
- Article Date: 5/5/2010