UPLAND, California -- Robert Kroeker driver of the #58 Valvoline / Merritt Pool Construction Speed Truck has captured the 2003 Speed Truck Challenge “Rookie of the Year” title in a commanding fashion.
Kroeker is not new to racing as the Norco, California racer has numerous first place finishes in MotoCross and Pro Stadium Truck racing prior to joining the Speed Truck Challenge. In 2002 Kroeker stayed under the seven race rule to protect his shot at Rookie of the Year for 2003 and captured the title, the golden ring, the jacket, the trophy and prestige.
The 2003 season has seen Kroeker posting very impressive stats with 6 “Top 5” and 9 “Top 10” finishes, placing the #58 Valvoline / Merritt Pool Construction Speed Truck in the 3rd overall position of the 2003 Speed Truck Challenge Championship standings. Not bad for a Rookie, and there are still two races left in the 2003 season. Could we see the Championship battle between #91 Lee Hatch and #21 John Burritt interrupted with Robert Kroeker stickin’ his nose into the action? How about #33 Donny Goodwin goin at with the boys? Stay tuned! The action is guaranteed!
“I looked at all of the truck series before deciding on the Speed Truck Challenge and did not feel the other truck series could offer what the Speed Truck Challenge had. The first Speed Truck race I attended was not good as Jay Rutherford threw me out of Irwindale Speedway as the team I was with that night was told to load up and go home due to an incident on the track. After investigation the track realized a mistake had been made and we were welcomed back in. Jay and I laugh about that night often. The Speed Truck Challenge is an awesome series with great people involved and I am proud to be part of the series. ” Stated Robert Kroeker.
The 2004 racing season will see the 2003 “Rookie of the Year” Kroeker campaigning for the series Championship. He will face stiff competition but if he handles the Championship the way he did the Rookie of the Year contest, we might just see Kroeker with the Championship title.
“There are several people that need recognition on my team. I could not have achieved the Rookie of the Year title without them and would like to thank each of them for their hard work and dedication to the team. They are: Mike Johnson - Truck Chief, Tom Merritt - Crew Chief, Gary Griffis – Spotter, Lelani Bluner – Team Manager, Kevin Chaney – Crew Member, and special thanks to Bob Brown – Driver Consultant and Ego Deflator.
Congratulations to the #58 Valvoline / Merritt Pool Construction Speed Truck team and Robert Kroeker for the their victorious battle and taking the 2003 Speed Truck Challenge “Rookie of the Year” title.
The 2004 season will see a group of new Rookie contenders in the Speed Truck Challenge. With numerous new drivers already on board for the 2004 season the competition will be hard fought. The Rookie contenders are as follows: Joey Mogar, Chris Francis, Steve Guccione, Tom Lovelady, Jason Black, Scott Franchimone, Amy Elizondo, Scott Dodd, Bud Budavari and others to be named shortly.
