Seven top-two finishes propel Evans to 29th championship of career

From ERA

LITTLETON, Colo. – Ageless supermodified veteran Harold Evans, known as “H.J.” in Colorado racing circles, won his second Englewood Supermodified Association championship in a row this year, marking his 29th title in an illustrious open-wheel racing career that spans over four decades.

Evans, who began racing in 1968 and won his first ERA championship in 1979, won four of the eight ERA mains at Colorado National Speedway in 2011 and pulled away in the standings throughout the second half of the season to win by a comfortable 135-point margin over his teammate, Richie Castor.

The 60-year-old racer complimented those around him who he says made the season one of the smoothest and successful of his legendary career.

“The car was great all year and that’s a testament to the Castors,” Evans began, referring to his car owners in the Castor Racing family. “The car was just flawless and we’re very happy. I was able to do things behind the wheel that I’ve never been able to do before.”

Evans noted offseason changes he and the Castor Racing team made to his No. 3 mount that had his super hooked up better than it’s ever been before.

“We made some changes to the aerodynamics and Leary Racing Products made some improvements to our shock package and it totally changed to car for the better. Just an incredible car. I could go absolutely anywhere in any condition. High or low on a hot, greasy track or a cold surface – it didn’t make any difference,” Evans said.

Evans had the fastest super at CNS on most nights throughout the season. In addition to winning half the supermodified mains on the year, he never finished outside the top four in eight races, finishing first or second in seven of the eight mains. Evans also captured the 2011 Colorado National supermodified track championship.

“I was raised an open-wheel guy, and I have a true love for the supers,” Evans continued. “There’s no better feeling than driving a super when the car is working good. I want to thank all the people at CNS for giving us a great place to race, including Scotty Backman, Jeff Campbell, Shannon Muir and the track owners, Jim and Char Nordhaugen. It’s a fine facility and they treat us very well and we’re very thankful.”

As for future plans, Evans stressed nothing is set in stone but hinted he’s looking at more of the same in 2012.

“I’m very happy with the Castor team. My intent is to come back again, if they’ll have me. We’re going to work hard to get Richie’s car going as good as mine. That’s our focus for right now,” Evans said.

Points will be made official at the ERA’s next board meeting, coming Tuesday, November 1.

Next up for the ERA is the series’ year-end Awards Banquet, slated for Saturday, November 26 at the Elks Club in Arvada, Colorado.

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2011 ERA point standings (unofficial):

Harold Evans 754
Rich Castor Jr. 619
Johnny Pickard 483
Chris Sheil 475
Joe Gallegos 435
Joe Priselac 429
Stevie Gallegos 296
Ian Tolen 259
Matt Gilbert 231
Matt Griffin 210

For more information on the Englewood Racing Association, visit http://erasupermodifieds.tripod.com. The ERA is now on Twitter – Join us at twitter.com/erasupermods today!