Source: sb
Date: 04/26/2007

Modesto, CA – -- 14 year-old Western Scale Racing Baby Grand rookie Michael Ray will start his run towards the 2007 All American Speedway Baby Grand championship this Saturday night.

The Western Scale Racing Baby Grand division features a mix of veteran and young drivers. The series is fast becoming the top development division in Northern California, with drivers Jeremy Wood, Doff Cooksey, and Jonathan Hale all graduating from the program.

Nationally, Baby Grands launched the career of Carl Edwards.

Ray is making the jump from the half-scale Mini Cups into the two-thirds scale Baby Grands after just one season. Even so, expectations are high for the Modesto teen.

”I definitely want rookie of the year and to take home at least five race wins,” Ray said. “I’m glad I made the jump. I feel comfortable that it was the proper move.”

With so many young drivers in the division, the extra time before the first race provided extra practice time. Throughout testing, Ray has been at the top of the charts.

“These cars are more technical an a lot faster than a mini cup,” Ray said. “We had more time to practice and get prepared. The whole layout of the car is the same just a little more advanced.”

Baby Grands weigh in at just over 1200 pounds with a 125 horsepower Yamaha engine, while the Mini Cups have a 15 horsepower power plant.

Ray has his eyes set on rival Jacob Gomes of Manteca, CA. Gomes won back-to-back titles in the Mini Cup level and has also made the move to the Baby Grand circuit. Other rookie drivers in the division include multi-time quarter-midget champion Cole Farrow.

”Jake and I have a rivalry but it’s all fun and competitive,” Ray said. “I try to focus on myself to make sure I’m improving myself and my car.”

Action for the Baby Grands kicks off Saturday night at the newly reconfigured All American Speedway in Roseville, CA.

For more information, visit the newly launched www.michaelrayracing. com. The home of the WSRA is at www.westernscaleracing. com All American Speedway is online at www.allamericanspeedway. com

Michael Ray Racing is brought to you by: Bloodletting Press, RR Holdings LLC, Mid-Valley Iron & Metals, BadMoonBooks, Wilson’s Family Plumbing, and BlakesleySports Media.

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