From Chiappelli Motorsports
Cairnbrook, PA — (April 30, 2013) — Although entering the 2013 sprint car racing season as a new combination, driver Doug Esh and the Chiappelli / Grubb Motorsports Golden Flavor Sesame Sticks No. 98 team are off to a strong start, winning two of their first five races together. Their latest victory occurred Saturday before a huge crowd at Port Royal Speedway in the 10th annual Bob Weikert Memorial, a prestigious, big-money event sanctioned by the All-Star Circuit of Champions.
The magnitude of Esh’s popular triumph was recognized by team owners
Tom and Fran Chiappelli, who see it as a pivotal moment after investing more than 30 years of sweat-equity in the sport.
The win was also special for Esh, of Lancaster. “There was some tough competition,” he noted. “I wanted to win this for the Pennsylvania guys.”
The Chiappelli team is based several hours west of Port Royal in the Somerset County community of Cairnbrook and is supported by a lengthy list of quality people and partners. “A heartfelt thank you goes to the sponsors of the #98 which include Golden Flavor Sesame Sticks, Keystate Ag Transport, Leach Automotive Service, and Macri Concrete” stated Tom. He went on to say “Our team has been building lasting relationships with our major suppliers, HP Engines, Eagle Chassis, Accu-Force Shocks, and Wings Unlimited. We are loyal to our product suppliers and they deserve to also be recognized in this victory.” Other suppliers include Sweet Mfg., Keizer Wheels, Winters, and Ultra Lite Brakes.
“The best kept secret of the team may very well be our crew chief Pup Nystrom,” commented Fran. “He has methodically improved the handling and speed of the #98 while dealing with the temperamental personalities of Doug and Tom, which is not an easy task!”
Despite achieving success early in their partnership, Esh and the Chiappelli team are still working to develop chemistry they hope will result in a formidable, long-lasting combination.
“Doug gave us our first win in Central PA, then two weeks later gave us our first win with the All-Stars,” remarked Fran. “We’re going to have to keep raising the bar and re-evaluating our goals,” she continued.