From Susan Arnold
LASALLE, Ill. (June 24, 2013) – Joey Saldana and the World of Outlaws head into a racing trifecta this weekend beginning with a Friday, June 24 event at LaSalle Speedway, followed by a Saturday stop at Beaver Dam, Wis. and finally a Sunday event at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. to conclude June’s racing activities.
Saldana, driver of the Motter Equipment Fatheadz Eyewear 71M sprint car, is the defending champion at LaSalle Speedway, having won the A-Main the last time the Outlaws raced there in 2010.
“We have a really competitive car right now,” said Saldana. “If we have a good race track with room to pass and a track where our tires can get a good grip on the racing surface, then we can run stride-for-stride with all the frontrunners.
“This is a track where we’ve won before so that gives you a level of confidence heading into the event. Recently we’ve had good opportunities go sour and now it’s our turn
to have lady luck ride with us for a while.”
Last weekend Saldana led the race at Grand Forks, N.D. and was running a strong second when a right rear tire blew sending him on a wild ride, ultimately catapulting him into the outside retaining wall. Fortunately Saldana did not suffer any physical injuries and was able to walk away from the accident.
“I’m not much of a bull rider,” said Saldana, “but whatever level of cowboy is in me
would rather lasso a win. We always get pumped up to drive the 71M sprint car. I’d drive seven days a week if I could.”
The World of Outlaws has a 90-event schedule this year, so even with a few rainouts along the way, there is plenty of seat time for Saldana.
When racing draws to a close in LaSalle, the Motter Motorsports team will drive about 170 miles north to Beaver Dam Raceway (Wis.) where Saldana has scored three victories (2003, 2010 and 2011).
The one-third mile high-banked oval is sure to provide some crowd-pleasing action.
Last year the grandstands at Beaver Dam were filled to capacity to watch the Outlaws
slip and slide, dip and dive.
“This has been a good track for us,” said the driver with the Brownsburg Bullet moniker.
“We’re looking forward to a good showing here.”
Saturday night the team will hustle north about 250 miles to conclude the month of June’s racing activities in New Richmond, Wis. at Cedar Lake Speedway.
“There aren’t too many tracks where we haven’t scored a victory,” said Saldana, “but this is one of them. This is a unique facility that has an indoor track and a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval outdoor facility where the Outlaws compete.
“If we can stay consistent, then maybe our persistence will pay off.
“Our sport has a lot of fans up here and that enthusiasm always amps you up just a little bit more.”