(Bill W) May 2, 2011 – Defending Knoxville Raceway track champion, Brian Brown, returned to the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” last Saturday night, and came out with a solid second place finish. The Grain Valley, Missouri driver is pondering a trip to Oklahoma to race with the World of Outlaws on Tuesday, and will return to Knoxville on Saturday.
Brian put the FVP #21 out on the half-mile for qualifying and registered the second quick time of the night in the 29-car field. “We bought a motor over the winter from Rob Cappetta and the R19 team,” he says. “It seems to run really well. I think it will really help you later in the season. Anytime you qualify well at Knoxville, the motor is a key. We’re fortunate to have a great Maxim chassis, with Pro gas shocks and Hoosier tires on the front.”
The format was tweaked a bit, seeing an invert of eight in the heats, while transferring the top six. “The different format is changing it up for the fans,” he says. “It will make us work a little bit more in the heat races. It may be tough to transfer when you have a track where it’s difficult to pass. If you get quick time, you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
Brian started eighth, and moved as high as fifth before settling for the sixth and final transfer to the main event. “We probably had the toughest heat of the night, and quite honestly, we weren’t that good,” he admits. “We didn’t change much after qualifying and it hurt us. That’s one thing we have to work on. Thank goodness we ran sixth and not seventh.”
A draw of four put the team in good position, while Danny Lasoski drew the pole. Brian knew he would have to make up ground fast. “It was crucial to get behind him as quickly as we could,” he says. “We were able to do that on the first lap. We kind of fell in there, and I was hoping I could make something happen later on in traffic.”
With the track yielding little passing and increasing rubber, it was tough to make a move. “I think our car could maneuver pretty well in different spots on the track early on,” says Brian. “Then the race got around the bottom, and we had to look for a mistake to be made. The cautions gave (Lasoski) a clear track every time.”
Brian decided to try a desperation move on the last lap, but settled for the runner-up spot. “Coming for the checkers, in turn three, we were caught up,” he explains. We were trying to make a bonsai move to win it. That’s the thing about not racing for points. We’re going to go for the win every time and make something happen. It’s a different mindset for us this year. It’s going to be fun.”
The team will make a decision on whether to compete with Tuesday’s World of Outlaws show on the Salina Highbanks, before returning to Knoxville on Saturday.
Follow Brian and FVP Racing on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube!
The FVP marketing team has launched a Twitter page, a Facebook page (including Brian’s GoPro In-car camera videos and FVP Racing Report), and a Youtube page (make sure to subscribe to all!) to keep up to date with Brian and FVP racing! You can become a fan and follow along by clicking on the links below:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fvpracing
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2rakgn
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=fvpracing
Web site
For up to date information on Brian Brown, visit www.BrianBrownRacing.com!
T-shirts
To purchase Brian’s new t-shirts, visit www.BrianBrownRacing.com!
Brian's Q&A
Alex Trumble asks: What do you think of the new draw system being used at Knoxville?
Brian answers: Honestly, I like it. The fans I talked to afterwards didn’t like Danny drawing the pole, but he did it fair and square. I think if they’re going to do the qualifying, I’d rather invert six and take five. One good thing is, you don’t necessarily get penalized for having a quick time. You still have a shot to start up front, and that is fair for everyone. I think it will be a good deal for the fans.
Got a question for Brian? Send it to us at sprntcar@iowatelecom.net, and we may answer it in this section! Put "? for Brian" in your subject line.
Brown's Bits
Brian made a dramatic pass on the final lap to pick up his first career win at Knoxville on May 25, 2002 in the 360 class. The margin of the win was just .024 seconds over fellow Missouri driver, Doug Wilson. Matt Folstad, David Hesmer and Tim St. Arnold rounded out the top five. Brian started 11th.
FVP
We offer a full line of high quality oil, air, cabin air and fuel filters, plus a complete line of high quality batteries for multiple applications including cars, trucks, SUV’s, commercial and other specialty vehicles. All products are made to OE manufacturer fitment specifications. FVP products are engineered to provide our customers with quality products that are equal or superior in performance to the major national brands at a competitive price. Visit us on the web at www.FVPparts.com!
SPLASH
Whether it’s keeping your windshield clean or free of ice, protecting your RV, boat or pool from freezing in the winter, or your sidewalk safe to walk on, SPLASH Products are what you need! Check out our new SPLASH website at www.SPLASHWash.com!
Marketing Partner of the Week – Ditzfeld Transfer
Brian says – “Ditzfeld Transfer is a family deal. Ronnie and his sons were our very first sponsor. They haul our motors, and if I would need anything hauled across the country, I would call them first.”
Ditzfeld Transfer has been with Brian since the start of his racing career, and was his first sponsor. The Sedalia based family owned trucking business has been in operation for over 45 years, and has a commitment to maintaining the highest level of service. Currently, Ditzfeld Transfer utilizes more than 50 power units and 160 trailers. To learn more about Ditzfeld Transfer, visit www.DitzfeldTransfer.com!
Associate Marketing Partner of the Week – Magtech
Brian says – “For three years, we’ve been using Ed Starr at Magtech for all of our mags. We have used his coil wires and plug wires with no failures. If you have a problem with your mag, or just want it checked out, Ed is the guy.”
The professionals at MagTech Ignition provide repair service for all of your ignition needs. From MSD to Mallory to any and all ignition boxes and plug wires. If you are off track, let the professionals at MagTech get you back on the lead lap and in the winners’ circle. They have over 20 years of ignition experience. Visit them on the web at www.MagtechIgnition.com!
Brian would like to thank FVP, Searsboro Telephone Company, Impact Sign and Lighting, Champion Brands, SPLASH, Ditzfeld Transfer, Maxim Racing, Smiley’s Racing Products, Weld Wheels, Housby Trucks, My State Insurance Rates, Arctic Cat, K&N Filters, Hostiowa.net, FSR Race Products, TI64, Fuel-Safe Tanks, Awesome Racewear, Wolfe Eye Clinic, Bell Helmets, CP Pistons, Carrillo Rods, A1 Mortgage, Rockwell Security, Paul's Auto Body Supply, Engler Machine, Vortex Wings, Ostrich Racing Engines, Penray, All Pro Cylinder Heads, Butler Built Seats, Rod End Supply, KSE Racing Products, Winters Performance Products, Santomauro Racing Products, Cometic Gaskets, Kaeding Performance, Donovan, Magtech, ISC Racers Tape, Racing Optics, Pro Shocks, Don's Truck Wash, Gardner Farms, Hoosier Tires, GoPro, XYZ Machining, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Peterson Fluid System, Red Devil Brakes, Schoenfeld Headers, www.Impact4800.com and WSIB Insurance for all their help!
[i Photo - Brian at Knoxville (Danny Howk - www.HearthlandMotorsports.com Photo)]
- Bill Wright on May 02, 2011
- Article Date: 5/2/2011