From Scott Daloisio
Concord, CA — (September 9, 2014) — The “World’s Fastest Sprint Car Driver,” Concord, California’s Damion Gardner, saw nearly two years of dreams and hard work come to fruition when he broke the 200-MPH barrier not once, but two times in a sprint car at the Bonneville Salt Flats on Monday. Not only can he be called the “World’s Fastest Sprint Car Driver,” but now the slender racer can also be called the only driver to go 200-MPH in a sprint car.
After a “shakedown” run of 190-MPH on the famous Utah salt surface on Sunday, the table was set to make sprint car history on Monday. Gardner started off the dramatic day with a sizzling pass that produced a speed of 194.19901 early in the morning. It was his fastest ever pass at Bonneville. The crew then realized history was in its grasp and it was time to go for it.
Gardner’s second run of the day proved to be the one dream’s are made of. He blistered the salt and by mile two, his speed was 199.44424. He was within arm’s reach of the coveted 200-MPH. One mile later, he did it! At the three mile mark he was at 202.25408 and his exit speed was 202.38426.
Those who are acquainted with Damion Gardner know that he will not quit pushing and rather than rest on his laurels at 202.38426, he wanted more. The area was being pestered by some light rain followed by cross winds that caused some concern, but Gardner went back out and he obliterated the 202 run with an amazing pass of 205.47318.
205+ and it is not over yet. Instead of packing up the car and the tools and heading home, Gardner and the crew are headed back to the salt for some more passes on Tuesday to wrap up the three days of wonderful speed history. Full details on today’s exploits with be forthcoming this evening or first thing Monday morning, but here is a little hint. Gardner just went 211.58844 on his first run of the day!
You can see and meet the “World’s Fastest Sprint Car Driver” this Saturday night when he returns to the cockpit of the Mark Alexander #4 in the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at Perris Auto Speedway.
Everything, including the historical 205-MPH pass is being shot for an exciting documentary titled, “The World’s Fastest Sprint Car.” The made for TV production is being written, directed and produced by Surf N’ Sprint and will be shot by the award winning racing specialists from LoudPedal Productions. You can take a sneak peek at the documentary at the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp1JvkD9aaI&feature=youtu.be
Damion Gardner would like to thank the following for making this enormous task possible: Surf N’ Sprint, Frankland Rearends, J. Milano Co., Shaver Engines, Lucas Oil, ARP, FK Rod Ends, Weld Wheels, Yak Graphics, Schoenfeld, Waterman, Simpson, Willwood, Kinsler Fuel Injection, Advanced Racing Suspension, Maxwell Industries, Victory Race Cars, Beast Chassis, Maas Powdercoat, Kenny’s Components, Santamauro Racing, Lee Power Steering, Butler Built Seats, Schroeder, Brown & Miller, Champion Spark Plugs, System 1, Barne’s Systems, Eibach, TSR, Indy Race Parts, MPD, Beaver Stripes, K&N, Jessel, Comp Cams, Donovan, Seals It, LoudPedal Productions, KMD Racing.
Watch for more follow ups on this noble effort in 2014. You can also check out what is going on by visiting the Damion Gardner Fan Page on Facebook. The pages of Steve Watt and Loudpedal Productions will also offer their takes on all the high speed happenings.
To hear Damion Gardner’s 2013 interview about driving the “World’s Fastest Sprint Car” with Shawn Wood on the Dirt Track Channel, please click on the following link: http://thedirttrackchannel.com/Webcast/tscsAug1313.mp3