It’s almost unbelievable, but Dave Byrd who, after the Las Vegas event of the SRL Southwest Tour Series, is sitting second in championship points has become the latest racing casualty of the economy.
Dave, a 16 time driving champion which includes winning the 2007 SRL Southwest Tour Series Championship for Bob Strandwold Racing, has been released from the team.
“This is by no means a reflection on Dave’s driving, it’s strictly economics”, said Bob Strandwold. “We just haven’t been able to partner with enough businesses to fund the racing effort of our #1 car.”
“Dave will remain one of my closest friends”, Bob continued. “I would love to be able to put him back into one of my cars. If that can’t happen, I would love to see him in a competitive ride in this series. Dave is not only a great friend, he is the perfect representative of the great drivers we have in the SRL Southwest Tour Series.”
“Racing, winning and championships aren’t just about driving.” counseled Dave. “They involve quite a bit of preparation ahead of an event and that preparation costs money! Without the funds you either don’t race competitively or you just plain don’t race at all.”
“To be completely honest, the entire situation hasn’t sunk in yet.” Dave said, as he contemplated what the future would hold. “We’re not only second in points, but those are points we earned while racing out of town! Now the series is coming up on our home tracks” explained Dave. “I think five of our next six races are at Madera Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway. I’m having a hard time understanding how, with all the recent success we have had at Madera (Speedway) and the three championships we’ve won at Stockton (99 Speedway) we haven’t been able to come through with enough marketing help.”
To learn more about Dave Byrd Racing visit us at www.davebyrdracing.com
