Catchfence

Second Generation Driver Hopes to Join Father as a Speedweeks Champion

CONCORD, NC (January 27, 2009) – Tim Russell has done just about everything you can possibly do in a Super Late Model in the state of Florida. The two-time FASCAR Sunbelt Champion and two-time Bright House Champion has had an impressive run during the last few seasons. One goal that still awaits Russell is the Super Late Model Championship from the World Series at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). The nine-night series is a true test of driving ability and stamina.

“It would be really cool to go there and win a championship and the Pete Orr 100,” said Russell. “We are on a pretty good streak, having just won the pole and the race at the Red Eye last month. My dad won the World Series title a few times back in the early 90s, so it’s only fitting that I add my name to the list of winners.”

Russell watched his dad, David Russell, win the week-long season championship back in 1996. Perhaps winning the week-long finale Pete Orr Memorial 100 would be just as special, as Orr served as a driver for the elder Russell many years back.

“We can’t think about the last race yet,” added Russell. “We have to go there and try to get as many wins as we can and let the points fall where they may and then worry about the championship. I would love to win the Pete Orr Memorial 100, but it’s a long week of racing and that’s why we’ll have two cars ready for the week of racing.”

When you add up the laps for each class, it translates to a full season of racing in only a week’s time. For the true racer like Russell, there’s nothing better.

“It’s one year of racing all in one night,” explained Russell. “You have to be careful each night, but at the same time you have to race hard every night. Some of the races are only 30 laps, and that’s not a lot of time to get the job done.”

One of the toughest challenges about the World Series is the change in the track from night to night. Last year, with little rain during Speedweeks, the track became a handful for all of the drivers.

“Last year the track change a ton,” added Russell. “The more rubber all the cars put on the track also made it very tight. We almost needed that typical Florida rainstorm to come and help us wash off the track, but it never came. We had a strong showing last year; hopefully we can improve and keep our hot streak going.”

The nine nights of the 43rd Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing begins on February 6th and runs through February 14th. Seven divisions of racing from Super Late Models to Modifieds to Pro Trucks will be on the track during the week. The week ends with the crowning of the champions and the seventh annual Pete Orr Memorial 100.

For more information on Tim Russell, please be sure to check out his website at www.timrussellonline.com.

51 Sports, Press Release