From CJB Motorsports
CARLISLE, Penn (September 7, 2016) — Labor Day weekend conjures up memories of back yard BBQ’s, lake visits and quality time with family and friends. For CJB Motorsports, however, it was another opportunity to flex some muscle. The team, based out of Carlisle, Pa., added to it’s win total once again as David Gravel swept the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series events at Skagit Speedway near Alger, Wash.
Gravel and the #5 team arrived for the first night of the Outlaw Energy Showdown on Friday, September 2nd. After timing in 5th of 23 cars, Gravel quickly proved he had the car to beat with strong showings in his heat race and the dash. Fellow youngster Logan Schuchart led from the get go in the nights 25 lap feature as Gravel lurked from second. A last lap pass brought the fans to their feet.
“That sure was an exciting finish tonight so I hope all the fans enjoyed that one,” said Gravel, pilot of the Big Game Treestands, J.R.C. Transportation Inc., C&S Lawn & Landscape #5. “I got a run and saw the opening, so I just went for it. I’m pretty pumped we were able to finally park it for BC tonight. I can’t Barry Jackson, my entire crew and all our sponsors enough for working so hard and giving me great cars. I haven’t competed here at Skagit Speedway a whole lot, but it hasn’t seemed to be my best track. Tonight the third time was the charm I guess. If we get a similar track tomorrow that keeps our confidence up and I think we’ll have a good shot to be back up here.”
The following night, the #5 team was back in action to chase their 9th victory of the season. Setting quick time put the Watertown, Conn. driver in good position to pull off the weekend sweep. Also aiding in the effort was a solid charge in both the heat race and the dash.
“The track was awesome tonight, I don’t think you can ask for anything better,” said Gravel. “It’s been such a great year for us that it almost feels unreal. I want to thank the whole CJB Motorsports team for giving me the opportunity to drive the five car this season. Tonight I could put this thing anywhere on the track and that’s a testament to Barry Jackson and my team. The cushion was the place to be, but to win these races you have to be capable of moving around. Luckily we had a break when Joey (Saldana) got caught up in traffic and were able to take advantage it.”
A scheduled stop at Greys Harbor Raceway near Elma on Monday, September 5th was canceled due to weather.
While Gravel was duking it out on the west coast, Sammy Swindell returned to the seat of the #1 Big Game Treestands, GoMuddy.com #1 for the 38th annual AGCO Jackson Nationals at the Jackson (Minn.) Motorplex on Saturday, September 3rd. Swindell, who swept the event last year, was gunning for victory on the opening night and was in good position to capture the checkered flag after timing in quickest of 33 cars.
“We had a good car off the trailer,” said Swindell, the pilot of the Big Game Treestands, GoMuddy.com #1. “It wasn’t quite what I needed and we were making changes and we got it better. We went pretty good in our heat race and we led a good chunk of the feature. As the leader, you don’t really try anything different and the track began to take rubber at the top. We were going there and Brian (Brown) started getting the bottom going and ended up getting around us in turns three and four. We had to settle for second because he was just in the right spot.”
Swindell was back in action the following night for the $25,000-to-win finale.
“The track was a bit different for us,” said Swindell. “They watered down the track more. We made it through the scramble and we were on the pole for the feature. The outside was definitely the place to be and we were on the inside. We let Ian and Kerry (Madsen) get by and just got into some good battles. Brian (Brown) also got by us. It’s just tough.”
Gravel will continue out on the west coast with events in the states of Oregon & California with stops at Williamette Speedway near Lebanon, Ore. on Wednesday, September 7th and Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th. The event at Silver Dollar Speedway is the prestigious Gold Cup Race of Champions; an event that CJB Motorsports has had circled on their calendar.
“Certainly looking forward to both of those places,” said Gravel. “Williamette is a good mid week stop and Chico is one of those crown jewel races that every driver and team wants to win. I think, based on our previous race there this year, that we’ll be pretty good.”
CAR #5 2016 STATS:
Events: 63
Quick Times: 5
Wins: 9
Top-5’s: 39
Top-10’s: 53
Heat Race Wins: 18
Dash Wins: 6
Average Time Trial: 7.1
Average A-main finish: 5.9
Total Laps Led: 259
CAR #1 2016 STATS:
Events: 44
Quick Times: 2
Wins: 2
Top-5’s: 16
Top-10’s: 21
Heat Race Wins: 7
Dash Wins: 0
Average Time Trial: 10.4
Average A-main finish: 9.9
Total Laps Led: 74