Catchfence

MADISON, WI (8/27/11) – For anyone who has ever believed the timeless mantra “preparation is key,” Sean Corr and his Empire Racing team proved the tale true, as he powered his way to a career high 7th place finish in Friday (8/26) night’s race. Corr, piloting his No. 82 Roush Yates Engines, Nu South Lemonade, United Way Ford Fusion, was the only driver entered in the Herr’s Live Life with Flavor! 200, who had seen any type of racing action at Madison International Speedway.

“We have been preaching patience and preparation all season, and that is a prime reason I came up here early to run in the late model race,” commented Corr. “Racing is a very intense and at times, difficult sport, so whenever we have the opportunity to get the leg up, we will strike at that chance.”

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards teams arrived early Friday morning; to kick off the “one-day” racing show at the infamous short track nestled in the outskirts of Madison, WI. The John Bellesfield led Empire Racing team, made quick work of the days short, lone practice session, translating Corr’s gained late model knowledge into the heavier, more powerful ARCA car. Running a mixture of “race pace” laps and mock-qualifying runs, Corr posted the ninth fastest time, at 18.679 seconds at 96.365 MPH. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell followed the quick turnaround, where Corr ran a fast time of 18.639 seconds, translating to 96.572 MPH.

With the field set, cars gridded and the sun setting over the Wisconsin cornfields, ARCA officials waved the green flag to start the Herr’s Live Life with Flavor! 200 at Madison International Speedway, for the first time since 1973.

Corr quickly moved his way into the top ten, however the lapped traffic at the short-track “bullring” soon became the main focus, as he was forced to maneuver his way around them. While in an intense side-by-side battle for tenth, Corr and his competitor made contact, sending his No. 82 Roush Yates Engines, Nu South Lemonade, United Way Ford Fusion spinning down turn-two. Corr immediately gained control, regaining the field at the tale end, choosing to forgo coming to pit road to stay on the lead lap.

Early adversity would not hold the Goshen, NY native back however, sending him back through the field on a “conservative” end of race approach, saving his equipment for the vital ending laps. Corr radioed the crew on the handling, saying his Ford was “handling perfect all around the track, we hit spot on with our setup this week.”

A late lap 133 caution, gave the crew an opportunity he had been waiting for to come to pit road. The Empire Racing crew made quick work, giving Corr four fresh Hoosier tires, Sunoco race fuel and an air pressure adjustment. As the green flag flew through the ensuing cautions, Corr steadfastly stood his ground, racing door-to-door with his competitors, while working around the lapped traffic. With the checkered flag waving over the field on lap 200, Corr brought his Empire Racing No. 82 Roush Yates Engines, Nu South Lemonade, United Way Ford Fusion home seventh, earning his career best finish, and bringing his car home in one piece.

“Today was an absolutely great race for not only myself, but our entire Empire Racing team, and all of our phenomenal partners,” exclaimed Corr. “We hit on everything we needed to this weekend setup wise and really got this Ford Fusion dialed in. Madison (International Speedway) is an awesome facility, and I can’t thank them enough for hosting our ARCA race, and I look forward to coming back in the future. I’m excited for this finish, and look to ride the momentum into next weekend at DuQuoin (State Fairground).”

Watch for Sean Corr and his Empire Racing Team at the dirt track at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on Monday, September 5th for the Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Auto Parts.

For more on Sean Corr, Empire Racing and marketing partnership opportunities for the 2011 racing season, please visit empireracingllc.com.

For more on LIVE UNITED, you can find additional information on United Way Worldwide’s web site, www.LiveUnited.org

Are you FORD tough? Connect with Roush Yates Performance Products and Roush Yates Engines through their official web site at roushyatesparts.com.

Tweet with Sean Corr through Twitter @EmpireRacingLLC.

- Empire Racing Press Release