By Meredith Kaplan Burns
Brownsburg, Indiana (July 7, 2011) — After winning the USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midget feature event at Grundy County Speedway last Saturday night, Ross Rankine arrived at the Bryant Heating & Cooling Indianapolis Speedrome on Wednesday, July 6, with momentum as he sought his first Speedrome Ford Focus Feature win driving the National Pride Equipment sponsored Nine Racing, Inc #9 Ford Focus Midget.
The evening began perfectly for Ross as he started on the front row in his 10-lap heat race and drove away for the win. Ross, who is the current USAC Midwest Ford Focus Series points leader, had to start the 50-lap main event in sixth position because the Speedrome race format requires the current points leader to start the feature in sixth. As the race progressed Ross began passing cars as he moved to the front. With just five laps to go Ross moved into second place and began to run down leader Nick Drake but ran out of time to mount a challenge for the win and earned another second-place finish.
“The car is getting better each week and I am learning how to pass and run quick at the Speedrome,” said Ross Rankine. “It was fun tonight and I want to thank my sponsor National Pride Equipment, which affords me the opportunity to race here at the Speedrome on a weekly basis.”
With another strong showing at the Speedrome, Ross Rankine continues to add to his points lead in the USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midget Series. He now leads James Robertson, who is second in series points, by 139 points. Ross will return to the Speedrome next Tuesday night, July 12, for another run on the tight, 1/5-mile paved oval.
Nine Racing’s 2011 sponsor lineup includes K&N Engineering, Eibach Springs, Weld Racing, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Penske Racing Shocks, Performance Friction Brakes, ASE, Earl’s Performance Plumbing, SSi Decals, PJ1, and Hoosier Racing Tire.