PETERSEN MEDIA
– Heading into the weekend, Tony Bruce, Jr and his one8 Motorsports team had plans of running an unusual pair of 410 races, but mother nature rained out Saturday’s show, and Friday night saw TBJ score a 15th place with the World of Outlaws.
“It wasn’t the greatest result, but it was our first night out with the 410 this season, so we tried some things, and played with some things,” said Bruce.
With 27 cars checked into the first race of the Kasey Kahne Challenge, TBJ timed his Oil Medics/ButlerBuilt/SRE backed No.18 in with the 18th fastest lap of the night, missing out on the heat race inversion.
“Missing out on the inversion with the outlaws his huge, because basically you’re stuck in the back all night long,” explained Bruce.
Lining up in the fourth row of his heat race, TBJ was able to pick up two spots, putting him in the fifth spot, and transferring him directly into the feature event.
Starting 18th in the 25-lap feature, Bruce had his work cut out for him on what was a very slick surface at the ½ mile facility.
As the race got underway, Bruce held his own, and remained in the 18th spot.
“Starting that far back on a place that big is tough, especially being stuck in dirty air,” Bruce continued.
With laps clicking off, Bruce was able to take advantage of a mid race caution, and moved up in to the 15th spot.
Instead of forcing the issue a few times late in the feature, Bruce held on and finished in the 15th spot.
“We were decent, but I aired on the side of caution a few times, and didn’t make some passes that I probably should of went for. The team did a great job, and I wish Knoxville wouldn’t of rained out.”
Bruce would like to thank all of his sponsors, Hinchman Racewear, Pro Auto, The Oil Medics, Smileys, SWE, Maxwell Industries, FK Rod Ends, Butlerbuilt, Factory Kahne Shocks, Randy’s Racing Filters, DriversWebsites.com, Racinboys.com, Wilwood, Zemco Headers, Hoosier Tires, Gaerte Engines, Pro Powder Coating, Fuel Safe, Bell, Weld Wheels, and ISC Racer’s Tape for their support through the 2012 season.
ON TAP: The one8 Motorsports team will now head to High Banks in Salina, OK before competing in the Rock-n-Roll 50 in West Memphis, AR that TBJ himself promotes.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with TBJ by visiting his website at
www.tonybrucejr.com, or by following him on twitter @tonybrucejr
SPONSOR SHOUT OUT: FK Rod Ends
FK Rod Ends is back again in 2012, and one8 Motorsports couldn’t be more proud to partner with such a strong company. For over 24 years, FK Rod Ends can be found from anywhere from racecars, to lawn mowers, and even to gym equipment you use to take care of your body. As the company continues to grow, they currently offer over 10,000 combinations on rod ends and spherical bearings.
“When the only thing that connects the steering gear to the front axle is two Rod Ends, they better be top quality. And FK is the company we chose to make sure we get turning in the right direction. Every Rod End on our car is a FK for a reason.”