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EL PASO, Texas (April 17, 2013) – With a unique brace and the urge to get behind the wheel, Bill Rose returned to action last weekend with the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series.
After missing the previous 10 races because of a broken left arm, Rose and his team pulled down a second car to join David Gravel in a pair of Bill Rose Racing entries beginning at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif., on Friday.
“Hanford was my test to see if I was going to be able to drive or not,” Rose said. “I can’t race without a brace on my arm, but the brace I’ve got makes it difficult to hold onto the steering wheel.”
Rose qualified 24th, which put him toward the back of his heat race. With passing at a premium, he was relegated to the Last Chance Showdown, where he finished one spot out of a transfer to the feature.
With only 21 cars each of the next two races – at Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, Calif., last Friday and at El Paso Speedway Park on Tuesday – Rose decided to start and park both events.
“Still what hurts the most is my elbow,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going on with my elbow, so I’ve got some issues with that.”
Gravel continued his hot streak in the second Bill Rose Racing entry at all three tracks, earning two top 10s and establishing the track record at El Paso Speedway Park.
At Kings Speedway, Gravel maneuvered into fourth place when a lapped car spun in turn two and hit Gravel’s left rear tire in the final 10 laps. The impact popped the tire, forcing Gravel to the pits to get it changed. He returned to the field in last place and worked his way up to 12th.
Gravel then placed seventh at Perris Auto Speedway on a tough track to pass on before setting quick time and finishing fourth at El Paso Speedway Park – his third top five of the season. Gravel is sixth in the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series standings.
“He’s done great,” Rose said. “He had a chance to win three races on the West Coast swing and set a new track record at El Paso, so he’s done an excellent job. It’s stupid to take him out of the car when he’s 100 percent and I’m not even close.”
Rose, who has a doctor appointment next week, is planning on sitting out the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series events this weekend at Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, Ky., on Friday and at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., on Saturday. Gravel will be in a Bill Rose Racing car both nights.
QUICK RESULTS –
April 12 – Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 24; Heat race: 7 (8); B Main: 7 (6).
April 13 – Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, Calif. – Qualifying: 21; Heat race: 7 (7); Feature: 20 (21).
April 16 – El Paso Speedway Park in El Paso, Texas – Qualifying: 21; Heat race: 7 (7); Feature: 21 (21).
SEASON STATS –
5 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 top 15s, 1 top 20
UP NEXT –
Friday at Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, Ky., and Saturday at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., with the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series
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“FireTextResponse.com is a growing company doing a great thing,” Rose said. “They love racing and we’re happy to have them be a part of Bill Rose Racing.”
Rose would also like to thank Wright Processing Systems, Kart Magic, Innovative Mold & Machine, Maxim, Keizer Wheels and DMI for their continued support.