ED AIKIN READIES FOR 2014 SPRINT CAR SEASON WITH AN EYE ON MULTIPLE WINS WITH URC

By Bob Miller

In 1987, Ed Aikin of Lincoln University, PA made the leap to begin his racing career, starting in the late model division and later moving into the 358 modifieds at Grandview Speedway. Ed was usually in the thick of the battle with every start at Grandview, but over time, he knew he wanted to do something different. “I was just tired of replacing bumpers and body panels on a modified”, said Aikin. The sprints seemed to be the way to go and in 2002, Ed made the move to the Rislone URC Sprint Series.

Just like his pervious racing efforts, Aikin adapted quickly to the sprints. In total, Ed Aikin has eight Rislone URC sprint wins including the biggest win of his career, a victory in the 2007 Rislone Nationals. A field of fifty-seven 360 sprints gathered at the historic Williams Grove Speedway and it was Ed Aikin who earned the win in URC’s most prestigious event of the year. Aikin’s name is among the best in sprint car racing with previous Rislone National winners like Mark Smith in 2013, NASCAR’s Tony Stewart in 2013, Lance Dewease, Daryn Pitman, Aaron Ott, Kenny Adams and the inaugural Rislone National winner Pat Cannon in 2006.

Looking to the 2014 season, Aikin plans to run most if not all of the Rislone URC events and take in some open 360 races as well as some 410 racing.

“There are fifteen cars that can win a URC event on any given night, but the guys who are going to be fast every week include Robbie Stillwaggon, Davie Franek, Josh Weller, Randy West, Curt Michael and a couple others”, said Aikin. And what will it take to win multiple URC features this year? Aikin quickly replied, “A well prepared car in the shop”.

Along with winning features, there remains the goal of winning the Rislone URC sprint series title. What does it take to win the URC championship prize? “Consistency. . . .. .look it up in the dictionary and there is a picture of Curt Michael”, commented Aikin who was referencing URC’s only eight time champion who will be a regular on the URC roster in 2014. Winning a title is a nice to do, but at the end of the day for Ed Aikin, “the only thing that matters is winning features”.

What is a good night at the track for Ed Aikin? “We’re happen to have a top five finish and have fun with my crew”, answered Aikin. Ed and team have a strong drive for success, just watch them in the pits on any night.

In the coming year, expect to see the Aikin #7 carry the black, red and yellow colors with sponsorship support from CnB Mushrooms, Chip’s Auto Center, Bruce’s Speed Shop, SDS Web Creations, Precision Coatings, Kinsler Racing products and HP Engines.

2014

RISLONE URC Sprint Series Schedule

Friday, April 11 Carolina Speedway/Gastonia, NC (NP)

Saturday, April 12 Lancaster Speedway/Lancaster, SC (NP)

Saturday, April 19 Selinsgrove Speedway

Friday, April 25 Big Diamond Raceway

Friday, May 2 Big Diamond Raceway (Rain Date)

Saturday, May 10 Selinsgrove Speedway Jack Gunn Memorial $3,500 To Win

Friday, May 16 Bedford Speedway

Saturday, May 17 Delaware International Speedway

Sunday, May 25 Grandview Speedway (2 Features)

Monday, May 26 Grandview Speedway (Rain Date)