PETERSEN MEDIA
Liberal, KS native, Tony Bruce, Jr didn’t have the nationals he had hoped for, as him and his Bruce Racing team scored a 15th place finish in the Saturday night C-Main event.
Fighting off a flu, Bruce missed his regularly scheduled qualifying night of Wednesday, and felt well enough to climb aboard his Pro Auto/Hinchman/Oil Medics No.18 for the Thursday night event.
Timing in 31st quickest during time trials, TBJ found his one8 Motorsports entry on the front row of the first heat race, which he went on to win after a late move around Josh Hodges.
Starting in the 14th spot of the feature event, TBJ struggled to move forward aboard the Smiley’s/SWE/Maxwell Industries/FK Rod Ends entry as he fell back in the field.
As the checkered flag waved, TBJ finished in the 18th spot, and would return to action on Friday night to re attempt to qualify, a new addition to the format in 2012.
Friday night, Bruce’s struggles continued as he timed in 35th quick, and started his heat race in the third row.
Unable to muster his way into the top two, Bruce found himself in one of the three B-main events.
Starting seventh in his B, TBJ got off to a slow start as he rode around in the sixth spot, but at the halfway point he came alive and quickly began picking off cars as he rode the bottom of the Knoxville Raceway to perfection.
TBJ’s effort came up just short however, as he scored a third place finish and missed out on a transfer spot.
Saturday night Bruce was buried in the C-main, as he was in the 12th spot. On a very narrow track, TBJ wasn’t able to get anything going, and he ended his nationals with a 15th place finish in the C.
“It was a disappointing weekend,” explained Bruce. “We weren’t very good at all, but luckily on Friday night in the B, we found something, and hopefully we can build of off it in the future.”
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: TBJ and the one8 motorsports team will now return to action with the Lucas Oil ASCS National Series as they invade the Humboldt Raceway on Tuesday night.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with TBJ by visiting his website at
www.tonybrucejr.com, or by following him on twitter @tonybrucejr
SPONSOR SHOUT OUT: Factory Kahne Shocks
Specializing in Sprint Car shocks, Factory Kahne continues to lead the way in short track racing. Located in North Carolina, Factory Kahne dealers can be found in several different regions of the country, supplying product, and support to several of the countries top teams.
“We are pleased to have Factory Kahne shocks on our car this year,” said TBJ. “After seeing how far their company has come in a few short years I trust Willie (Kahne) and the guys to make sure we have what it takes to win. “