By Susan Arnold
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (May 15, 2013) – Veteran sprint car driver Joey Saldana classifies the Williams Grove race track as one of the toughest on the World of Outlaws circuit. The half-mile banked clay oval has been hosting sprint car racing since 1939.
The driver of the Motter Motorsports Fatheadz Eyewear 71M, with 83 career victories to his credit, says that the track itself is challenging and the level of difficulty is compounded because the local competition that joins the WoO roadies is some of the most talented in the country.
Saldana and the World of Outlaws traveling posse face a doubleheader on the track that may be too tough to tame, Friday and Saturday, May 17-18.
“We have won here before, and our team definitely has the talent, experience and the first-class equipment that it takes to take home the trophy,” said the second-generation driver. “Qualifying well is one of the keys to unlocking success here and then you need a solid finish in your heat to make the dash. A little help from Lady Luck to make the dash inversion draw go your way would be a little icing on the cake. That would potentially set you up for a good A-Main starting position.”
From 1949 to 1959, the track hosted USAC-sanctioned Championship Car races in which marquee names like A. J. Foyt and Mario Andretti competed.
“Williams Grove is one of those very special venues that you want to have listed multiple times in the win column on your resume,” concluded Saldana. “You have to bring your A game.”