BAKERSFIELD, California — It’s no secret that the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series has thrived in 2010, with an invasion of new teams, increased car counts, great crowds and new sponsors. As the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series heads to Madera Speedway this Saturday night, it approaches the halfway point of the 2010 season.
"The race teams deserve the credit, it’s their efforts that have increased the car counts and put on great shows. The quality of the teams and drivers we’ve seen in the SRL so far this season is second to none."— Larry Collins
There have been a tremendous number of new teams and drivers who have entered the SRL in 2010. Relatively new drivers to the SRL make up seven of the top 10 positions in the current points standings. Jim Pettit and Brennan Newberry are the only drivers in the current top 10 who finished inside the top 10 in the 2009 championship. Of the new drivers who have joined the SRL full-time in 2010, point leader Derek Thorn is the head of the class, with two wins in the first four races. Other newcomers in the top 10 include; Ryan Foster who is currently second in points, Stockton winner Jonathon Gomez, Kyle Cattanach, veteran Thomas Martin, seventeen-year-old Jacob Gomes and Olympia, Washington’s Jared Vorse.
The number of new SRL teams has bolstered car counts to a season average of 26.75 cars per race, versus the 2009 average of 20 after four races. The 2010 SRL season started with a record tying 32 cars at the season opener at Roseville.
“The season to this point has been beyond all expectations,” stated the SRL’s Larry Collins. “The race teams deserve the credit, it’s their efforts that have increased the car counts and put on great shows. The quality of the teams and drivers we’ve seen in the SRL so far this season is second to none.” Collins added. “It’s been great to see big crowds at the tracks, and the SRL drivers have given the fans their money’s worth at each race.”
The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series has been fortunate to garner the attention of many new companies this year who have committed to supporting the series. “We never stop, everyday we’re working with current series sponsors, or potential new sponsors.” stated the SRL’s Brian Olsen. “We have one of the best products in all of short-track racing and we’re being noticed by many companies who want to support and help grow the series.”
New series sponsors for 2010 include; K&N Filters, Chevrolet, Mid Valley Iron and Metals, Bay BioDiesel, World’s Champion Hand Cleaner, Sonic Racing Clutches, Holiday inn Express, In-Shape Health Clubs, DPI, Beck’s Shoes, Laps4LittleOnes.com and Pocket Radar.
Laps4LittleOnes.com will launch this Friday June 25th to coincide with the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series event at Madera Speedway. The website is designed to raise both funds and awareness in the battle with pediatric and children’s cancer’s. Furthermore, Pocket Radar is using the SRL to launch the world's first “Pocket-Sized Radar Gun” that accurately tracks the speed of anything that moves, and yet fits in the palm of your hand.
The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series heads to Madera Speedway for the “Laps4LittleOnes.com 125” presented by NTS, Inc. and Pocket Radar this Saturday night. The Madera event features six divisions of racing, a stunt show and a ‘Fourth of July’ fireworks spectacular. SRL qualifying at 5pm, opening ceremonies will be at 5:45pm.
