By Susan Arnold
STOCKTON, Calif. (March 17, 2014) – The Motter Equipment HE&M Saw Beltline Body Shop 71M team came into their 2014 World of Outlaws sophomore season winning their first race off the trailer, an All-Star event Feb. 13 in Barberville, Fla. In the first eight events this year, veteran shoe Joey Saldana has also amassed three No. 1 qualifying efforts.
The Dan Motter-owned Sprint Car team has proven to be quick, fast, and competitive and they are looking forward to hammer down racing at Stockton 99 Dirt Track March 22. It will be the second time that the Outlaws have raced here and last year’s inaugural event played to a fired up, sold out crowd.
The team’s accomplishments thus far this season have also been met with challenges. No amount of preparation could have prevented two unforeseen incidences. In Las Vegas March 6 after securing a No. 1 qualifying position, Saldana was injured during the dash by a rock that flew through the right arm guard, impacting his arm and causing an alarmingly large hematoma. Though Saldana wanted to stay and race despite his pain and discomfort, the race track medical team strongly advised him to go to the local hospital for evaluation. Saldana was transported to a nearby hospital and was released later that evening. The tenacious driver came back to drive two nights later in Tucson.
Fate struck again March 15 in Tulare, Calif. Saldana was racing solidly in second spot when with five laps to go, a lapped car hit the wall, causing Saldana to take evasive maneuvers, spinning the 71M to a stop on the track.
“We’re ready for some good racing,” said the Brownsburg Bullet. “With over 90 events in a season, everyone is going to fall victim to a racing incident. And the odds of having a rock hit your arm are probably slim to none.
“We are ready to move on and get the bad luck behind us. I feel fortunate to be able to be a race car driver and provide for my family with a career that I really enjoy.
“I come from a racing family so I know you have to take the bad with the good. I am very enthusiastic about our team this season and our chances of winning races. I feel there’s another victory just around the corner for us.”