By Bill Sullivan/Sullivan Images Media
ELK GROVE, CA – What started out as good night turned out to be a bad day at the office for Sprint Car driver Billy Strange of Elk Grove last Saturday night. After looking as if he had a top run in sight during the ninth Red Hawk Casino point race at Placerville Speedway, Strange ended up with a result he could simply classify as mediocre after a simple piece of equipment failed during the race that set him back in the field.
“We really had a great night going in the feature, we qualified well, transferred out of our heat and had a nice starting spot,” said Strange. “After the green flag, our good night turned bad. We just junk in the main, I had a shock go back after we started the race and just went backwards. “
In qualifying on Saturday, Strange powered the Strange Motorsports #28x sprint car to an impressive eighth place in qualifying, posting a time of 10:935 on the grid. A total of 26 cars were in competition Saturday night. Strange was one of just nine drivers in the 10 second bracket and his qualifying time wasn’t too far off that of fast qualifier Brett Miller who turned a 10:783.
“The car was great in qualifying,”added Strange. “I knew then we had a top ten car at least because we have struggled in qualifying in the past at Placerville. This time we were right up there with the fastest cars and the team was really excited.”
In the heat race, Strange started in the fourth position and maintained it at the end of the 8 lap affair. The position prevented him from having to compete in a grueling B main and gave them ample time to prepare for the 25-lap A-feature. During their preparation there was just one minor detail that was hidden from the crew that would snake bit them once the green flag waved.
“Once we got up to speed I knew we had the shock going bad,” said Strange. “From that point on I just did my best to stay out of trouble and see what I could salvage for a finish in the deal. We were looking so good early in the night, we know we will be well prepared this week.”
Strange finished in the 14th position when the checkered flag waved on Saturday night. The event marked his fifth Placerville Speedway appearance of the season, placing him just one digit away from qualifying for the prestigious Mark Forni Classic at Placerville Speedway on July 16th. This event will pay $5000 to win and drivers are required to compete in six previous races at Placerville prior to the race.
This Saturday night Strange will return to the quarter mile to make himself eligible for the upcoming race. He will also be celebrating the Independence Day weekend with his racing friends at family as Placerville will host fireworks following the races.
“It’s always fun to race on the Fourth of July weekend,” said Strange. “It gives us an opportunity to race and spend some great times with friends and family. I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we can pull of a good finish.”
Strange is always looking for additional marketing partners for the 2011 racing season.. Among their current supporters are America's Tire Kevin Sharrah Designs, ART Enterprises, Swepco Lubricants, Pronol Race Fuels, High Country Painting and Amerikote. To learn more about Billy Strange or to contact them about sponsorship opportunities, visit his official website at www.billystrangejr.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Jun 30, 2011
- Article Date: 6/30/2011