HEAVNER THRILLED WITH BRISTOL Motor Speedway
Written By: McCallister Precision Marketing
BRISTOL, TN (September 14, 2010) Lincolnton, North Carolina’s Ryan Heavner made his first-ever start at Bristol (TN) Motor Speedway on September 11, 2010, in The USAR Pro Cup Series American Freedom Spectacular 200. “On the job training” was the term team owner Kirk May used to describe Heavner’s experience there, as practice and qualifying were both rained-out.
“I wasn’t handicapped as much as I anticipated I would be,” said Heavner of the first green-flag lap being his first-ever at, possibly, the world’s fastest half-mile speedway. “I felt I adapted rather quickly.”
Adapt he did. The 14-year-old fan-favorite started 8th, with the field set for the green by the current point standings and a couple of drivers ahead of him being penalized to the rear of the field for making adjustments after pre-race technical inspection.
Heavner never fell far from that starting spot, even after some races for position off of pit road got heated.
He was running just outside of the top ten when the engine let go in his #14 Elite Auto Collision Chevrolet on lap 93 of 200.
“I wish I could have finished and worked my way into the top-five,” said Heavner. “[Bristol] fits my style perfectly. I love it. It has high sweeping corners and short straightaways. You keep your speed and momentum up all the way around it. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and it’s now my favorite track. I definitely recommend , if anyone gets the opportunity to run this track, that they not pass up the opportunity.”
Heavner went on to a 14th-place result in The American Freedom Spectacular 200. He finished only two spots behind the driver he is pursuing for the 2010 series Rookie-of-the-Year title – managing to stay in the hunt for that honor. He also sits only ten points outside of the top-ten in the series championship standings.
Although Heavner declared Bristol his favorite track, he is looking forward to October 03. On that date, Heavner and the rest of the USAR Pro Cup drivers will tackle North Wilkesboro (NC) Speedway. Young Heavner, who will spend September 18 testing at the famous North Carolina track, simply can’t wait to get there.
“It’s one of the bigger tracks, so it’s faster and that fits my driving style,” Heavner commented. “I haven’t been on the Wilkesboro track yet, but I know I can learn it quickly and adapt as needed. We’ll be there testing Saturday, and I know everyone at Kirk May Racing will have the Elite Auto Collision / Multiple Sclerosis Society / McCallister Precision Marketing Chevrolet ready to rock and roll when raceday comes around.”
When asked what his game plan is to get the KMR Chevrolet into victory lane in one of the three remaining 2010 Pro Cup events, Heavner was quick to respond, saying that “patience” is the key to success.
“It’s patience foremost, and my full confidence in my team at Kirk May Racing won’t hurt our chances, either,” he said. “I know that they have what it takes, and we will find our way into victory lane soon. We’ve had a great season and it’s only getting better. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the opportunity to drive the Kirk May Racing Chevrolet. The experience I have gained here is priceless, and these guys are just great.”
USAR Pro Cup announced a new series sponsorship recently. However, there was an unusual twist. International Truck and Engine Corporation / Navistar – which manufactures some of the most dependable road tractors on the market – is the sponsor. They will provide two tractors for the series to pull their speedway command center and a show / exhibition trailer with in 2011. The twist is that a third, brand-new tractor will be provided for one race team to use in 2011. All teams that competed in 80% or more of the 2010 series events are entered into a random drawing to win the use of the tractor, and Heavner’s team is one of those eligible.
“That is an awesome gesture,” Heavner said when asked how it felt to be a part of a series that looks out for its competitors in such an unprecedented manner. “It really makes teams want to participate and perform when we have sponsors that portray such a giving attitude. I know that International won’t be sorry. What they are doing will motivate us all to spread the word about their great products, and they do have some really nice and powerful trucks with good specs.”
Tickets are on sale now for what is sure to be an action-packed event at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway on October 03. You can book yours now by visiting savethespeedway.net.
Ryan Heavner fans are invited to visit him online at www.RyanHeavner.com.
For those looking for a great way to market their products to a vast, brand-loyal audience, please contact Tonya McCallister by telephone at (803) 361-6199 or by email at [email protected]. You can also log on to marketwithmpm.com for online contact options.
To contact Ryan Heavner, or for more information or media opportunities, please contact Michael Hughes by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (850) 266-7866.
Ryan Heavner and Kirk May Racing would like to thank all of their team partners for the 2010 racing season. These include; Elite Auto Collision (Athens, Georgia), Dupont, Lawing Marble, McCallister Precision Marketing, LJ DeZigns, and WaltersWebDesign.com.
For more information on Ryan Heavner and/or Kirk May Racing please visit www.RyanHeavner.com.