Dave Byrd has written long lists of “firsts” in his illustrious career as a driver, but this week Dave will be savoring his most recent “first”. This last Saturday evening Dave was able to post the first ever win for car owner Rod Qualls’ #78 Western Late Model team in the Race and Ride for Autism 100 at Stockton 99 Speedway, in Stockton, California.
“A lot of great drivers have sat in the seat of this car before me”, explained Dave. “But I was surprised when they told me this is the first time this car has actually ever won a race.”
Even though the team sits second in championship points, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing to get there. The team has recorded consistent top five finishes, including several second place finishes throughout the season, but hasn’t been able to get over the hump of putting the car into Victory Circle until now.
“Racing at Stockton 99 ( Speedway ) can have its challenges”, continued Byrd. “Our crew chief Rodney (Funston) has stayed after this car and has us turning great. The team really felt like they were ready to win the first one last week but, as racing at Stockton 99 (Speedway) will do, we were shoved hard into the wall last week, and ended up having to replace the front suspension and body work. To win tonight isn’t just a great come back, but the $3,000 payout for the win was desperately needed just to keep going. We couldn’t be happier.”
Dave Byrd will switch series this coming Saturday, August 20th, but he will attempt to keep this recent momentum as he rolls right back into Stockton 99 Speedway for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, where he currently sits sixth in championship points, driving the #42 Whalen’s Mobile Parts Chevy Monte Carlo in the “Jackson Rancheria 135”.
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Dave Byrd’s racing efforts are brought to you and supported by generous help from Olsen Autobody-San Mateo, Madera Auto Center, Foletta Bros., LunkerDaddy Bass Tackle, Shannon Fry and Santa Cruz Auto Parts, L.A. Fever Logistics, 51 Fifty Energy Drink, Westlane Towing, Speedzorb, Kevin Daley, John Pinkerton Jr, Casey's Bar and Grill, and numerous anonymous donations.
