SPOKANE, Washington -- One hundred thirty-four points out of tenth, Brian Saling Rookie driver of the #23 Pantrol, Inc., Ford race car of the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Elite Division, knew anything was possible in the last two races of the year and hoped for a chance at getting into the top ten. Then came lap number 74 in the Tri-city Raceway, Ranch & Home "125" last Sunday, when the unmistakable sound of a broken motor was heard from across the track. It was the end of the race for Saling and could mean the end of the season for his team.
“We’ve struggled as a low-budget team in this series, but have earned a lot of respect this year from the veterans in this class. It’s tough to swallow that fact that we may not make the last two races,” said Saling who says he’s been running the same 5-year old motor for the last two years.
Saling captured his first top-ten finish this year at Tri-city Raceway competing in the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, but says without additional funding the future is uncertain for him and the team.
Says car-owner, Jarrod Goodwin, “We really need one more good sponsor, like Pantrol, to compete in this series and we’re still knocking on doors, but the economy’s tough right now and we, like many teams, are feeling the effects of that.” Pantrol, Inc., an electronic controls manufacturing and assembly company is Saling’s primary sponsor.
Saling will miss the September 13th race at Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho next weekend, but says he’s still crossing his fingers in hopes of making the September 27 championship race in Wenatchee, Washington.
