By Susan Arnold
SPENCER, Iowa (Sept. 11, 2013) – Joey Saldana and the Motter Motorsports team made significant gains during the World of Outlaws West Coast swing. They scored their first victory in Chico, Calif., and within the last three races jumped from sixth to fourth in Outlaws point standings.
With racing returning to the Midwest Friday, Sept. 13 at Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa and Sept. 14 at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., Saldana
hopes he and the team are able to maintain the consistency and strong performance they have developed since switching to the GF1 chassis and Pro shocks at the Ironman the weekend before the Knoxville Nationals.
The switch paid immediate dividends with the Motter Equipment Beltline Body Shop Fatheadz Eyewear 71M Sprint car earning the pole at the Knoxville Nationals, out-performing over 100 entries for the prestigious position.
The team’s victory in Chico was noteworthy as the Brownsburg Bullet bested over 50 other drivers to become ‘Top Gun’ during Friday’s Gold Cup Race of Champions.
“We had been close to winning and could just never close the deal,” said Saldana. “We finally got the monkey off our back and we’re running strong. We are looking for a solid finish to the season.”
With less than a dozen races left before the season concludes, the Outlaws event this weekend at the Clay County Fair Speedway promises to draw a great crowd as fair-goers traditionally pack the house for the “Greatest Show on Dirt.”
On Saturday, Saldana will race in team owner Dan Motter’s home state of Minnesota.
Saldana won the inaugural Outlaws race at Deer Creek Spedway in 2009 and successfully defended his title in 2010. He has won 50 percent of the races on this 3/8-mile high-bank, and is the only repeat winner.
“We have high hopes for another win at this track,” said Motter. “We weren’t able to be in Chico for that win, but it would be nice to celebrate a victory with the team, our friends and family at Deer Creek.”
“We know we have a fast car and a great team,” said Saldana. “And we know we have a good a shot at victory every time we buckle up. Mentally we know we can do it. We are motivated to get back in winner’s circle for an extended stay!”