BAKERSFIELD, California — The entire top 10 from the 2008 SRL Southwest Tour Series championship have planned their return to the SRL in 2009. With the season opener less than two weeks away, we caught up with some of the top 10 drivers from 2008 to see where they are in preparation for the 2009 SRL Southwest Tour championship season.
"We look forward to building on our successes from last year and are very excited about the schedule and opportunity that the SRL has presented for the 2009 season"— Joe Farre
Defending series champ, Jim Pettit will bring his entire team back for 2008, with the same cars and a new sponsor. “It’s not broke so we’re not fixing it…the team has done a great job for us over the years…last year everyone worked hard to give us a car which completed every lap of the series and was capable of winning each race…so team wise we’ll make no changes. Our cars have a lot of laps on them, but we know what works so we’re staying with them (the cars) for 2009.” stated the 2008 series champ. “The biggest news for us is a new sponsor for the season which we will debut at Roseville.”
2008 series runner-up Craig Raudman and his team are ready for 2009, except for a few new sponsor decals to add to the car. Testing is scheduled this week for all three Bob Strandwold Racing teams at Roseville, where Raudman will be joined by team mates Dave Byrd and Troy Ermish. “We’re ready and looking forward to another successful season driving for Bob.” stated Raudman.
Greg Voigt says the car, the driver and the crew are ready to go. “We didn’t test the SRL car, but we ran opening night at Irwindale in our Super Late to help get back in the swing of things…we are excited about the upcoming SRL season”.
2008 SRL Rookie-of-the-Year Josh Combs said, “We are still preparing the car for the first race, and will not test until later this week. We have a new motor by Freightrain Racing Engines and a new approach that our rookie season is done, now it’s time to contend for wins and keep the respect of the other drivers. We are very excited about Roseville as it is our home track.”
Todd Bammer had this to say regarding preparation for 2009 season opener. “The 18 car is ready to go racing. We tested on the 14th (March) at Roseville and we were pleased. We have a new crew chief, Jeff Strandwold…car chief Howard Hoffman and John Morrison are returning this year, with Byron Decker as well. Car owner is Quentin Bammer with sponsorship from Moeller Bros. Body Shop, Maas Brothers Powder Coating, Hur Racing Engines and Strandwold Properties. We ran second at Roseville last year to Troy and this year we’re going for a win.”
According to driver Joe Farre’, the #54 Sigma Engineering Solutions Chevy Monte Carlo is poised and ready to go after the long winter break. The Farre’ Racing team put many hours into chassis, motor, and suspension upgrades in preparation for the upcoming SRL season. “We are very pleased with the help and support that the veteran teams, drivers and crew chiefs have offered during the off-season. Even though this is one of the most competitive series in the West, the veteran teams of the SRL take care of their own, and the Farre’ Racing team would like to thank everyone for the help and support that they have shared during the winter break.” stated Farre’. “We look forward to building on our successes from last year and are very excited about the schedule and opportunity that the SRL has presented for the 2009 season.”
Tenth place in the SRL standings in 2008, Justin Westmoreland feels ready for the 2009 season.
“We tested at Madera Speedway on March 14th. It was more of a shake down than a test, but for being on old tires I was pretty happy with the way the car ran. We made a few updates to our car in the off-season and I am really excited about Roseville. We feel that this is the most prepared we have been for an up coming season. The stands were packed at Roseville last year which makes it exciting as well.”
The SRL Southwest Tour Series will start its ninth season on Saturday, April 4th at Roseville’s All-American Speedway in the “Riebes Auto Parts 125 presented by AmeriPride Uniform Services”. The schedule for the Roseville event will also feature the NASCAR Camping World West Series, Modifieds, Mini Cups and Baby Grands. For more information go to www.SRLSouthwestTour.com.
