BRANDON RIEHL READY TO GO

Source: Rebecca Chouinard
Date: 03/18/2005

For Brandon Riehl, racing has been in his vocabulary as far back as he can remember. Most weekends were spent at Portland Speedway cheering on his dad and uncles. As Brandon got older he knew it was something he wanted to do, so when he turned 16, he got a street stock and began running a limited schedule. Only racing half of the events that season, Brandon still finished 14th in points and got his first main even win at the age of 16. His sophomore season would prove to be even more successful as he became the youngest street stock champion winning 3 main events and several poles. He quickly moved up to the limited sportsman division winning a championship in that and then eventually to the Late model division.

In 2001 Brandon competed in the Mid-State series which traveled back and forth between Yakima Speedway and Tri-City Raceway. There he quickly proved he could compete with the best winning several races by being at the top of his game each week. In 2003 Brandon took the next step up to be a rookie on the prestigious NASCAR Northwest Series. In his rookie season, he finished 11th in points earning 1 top 5 and 5 top 10's. 2004 proved to be an even better season as he finished 7th in points and earned his first invitation to the Toyota All-star Showdown, and also winning the series Most Improved Driver award.

Moving on seems to be the pattern of Brandon's racing career and 2005 will be no different as he attempts to run a full season in the NASCAR Autozone Elite Division Southwest Series. "I'm really excited for this year. We are going to run all the races in both the Northwest and the Southwest and then when it comes to the race that conflicts, we will see where we are at." With a new series also comes new tracks, many of which Brandon has never raced on. "That will be a challenge because I've only raced at Phoenix, Irwindale and Tucson but I love a good challenge. I just want to win some races this year and do good in the points. I think the drivers in both the NW and the SW are very talented so I don't think there will be a big change in the level of competition, it's still going to be tough."

Of course this wouldn't be possible without the support of some dedicated sponsors. Aero-Turbine of South Jordan, Utah serves as the primary sponsor of Brandon's #69 Chevy Monte carlo. "I met Brian, the owner, through one of my sponsors Darrel from Darrel's Economy Muffler. Brian and his wife are really great people and they have really got involved in my racing career". With many hopes for the 2005 season, the Toyota All-star Showdown is definitely on the mind of Brandon and his aero-turbine crew. "I definately want to go back to the shootout either on the NW or SW side. That is a great event with a lot of competition and I love the track. They really treat us good down there." Brandon's season also wouldn't be possible without the help from his dedicated crew. "We have been together for several years now and we really work great together. They know me well and I know I can count on them. Without them I wouldn't be able to race each week." One thing is certain, Brandon Riehl is definitely ready for the season ahead which started for him in January at Phoenix International Raceway in the Copper World Classic finishing 15th. Brandon's next race will be at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe Washington for the season opener of the Nascar Autozone Northwest Series March 26th.

Brandon Riehl would like to thank Aero-Tubine (www.aero-turbine.com), Darrel's Economy Muffler, and Mac Radiator for their continued support.

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