There’s a buzz in the air about the 2012 season. It’s been announced that all Florida Pro Challenge races with 10 cars or better will pay $500 to win. That’s every race, not just a few. The rules have been set in stone according to Pro Challenge rep Howard Brennan. There are three requirements:
•
You must be a Pro Challenge member
•You must be 100% Pro Challenge legal
•You must go by the Pro Challenge rules
Out of state Pro Challenge members are welcome to compete and are encouraged to do so as long as they fulfill the above requirements.
The $500 to win purse sets a high standard in the racing community, especially in today’s economy. Pro Challenge and its members feel that the Pro Challenge cars and trucks are the best bang for the buck. As other classes have fallen off in car count and purses, Pro Challenge has done the opposite. Other racers in other divisions have been approaching Pro Challenge car owners asking many questions with enthusiasm. Most saying that for the price and running cost and with those kind purses, it’s a no brainer.
Brennan stated that “The interest has been remarkable. We at Pro Challenge think we have the best product out there (naturally!) in scaled race cars in the nation. We fully intend to push forward to increase our car count and keep improving our product.”
He continues that “Good clean racing falling under national rules can, and will, bring nothing but excellent Saturday night racing.” Brennan invites everyone to “Go to our Florida website www.ProChallengeRacingOfFlorida.com and take a look…then call me if you have any questions.”
Stay tuned to our website for more information and any further announcements.
January 29, 2012
Rust Captures First Win of the Season
Florida Pro Challenge opened the 2012 season on January 28th and 29th with a debut race at Bronson Speedway.
I have to start by saying that the Bronson owners, Ann and Chris Young, definitely understand how to run a racetrack. Ann, with many years experience, is truly a master. She views the track as a stage where performers come to entertain. We found it amazing that she and her staff really care about the racer as well as the fans.
Pro Challenge was initially skeptical about running at Bronson Speedway for the first time, but any doubt was immediately dispelled when we pulled into the track. We were greeted and treated as if we were a valued performer, not just another racer.
I noticed the staff went to every car to welcome them and the first question they asked was “What can we do for you to make your experience here better?” When Ann Young approached the Pro Challenge Rep asking numerous questions, she made you feel important…not like a Saturday Night Joe Schmo. She leaves you with a feeling of being part of a family. She and her staff are first class.
As the weekend proceeded we wondered if the open arms feeling would continue. To my amazement, it got better. As for Pro Challenge, we bow to you Ann and Chris, and your entire staff. Lesson to be learned…take note…Bronson Speedway is a well organized racetrack arena.
But this article is about Pro Challenge and the likes of Ryan Rust…
Arriving Saturday for a full day of practice was an eye opener for the Pro Challenge drivers. Being a high-banked track, all the competitors thought they were well prepared. Some hit the raceway, while others sat in the stands checking their competitors’ times. 15 flat. 14.80’s. Landis #56 14.61. The 25 of Paul White was out to lunch the first run but that was short-lived. The second practice White goes out and sets a time of 14.43.
As his fellow racers looked at their stop watches you could hear “We better start working on our cars if we want to run with White.” They all tried some improvements but it looked like they’d be running for second place.
During the practice the #12 of Steve Greenwell tried to move the wall in turn 4. The wall won. Greenwell’s truck was totaled. Steve’s bell got rung, but he was fine with the exception of a bruised leg. Finished for the weekend, Greenwell proved his dedication to Pro Challenge. The next day he shows up on crutches and tells me he is already in the process of purchasing another race car and it will compete in the next race. He will not be piloting the new ride, the seasoned Randy Glick will have that honor. And I truly mean honor…Greenwell is off to Afghanistan to serve our country. We at Pro Challenge wish this fine man a safe tour.
Back to the races…
The only one that didn’t practice on Saturday was the #18 of Ryan Rust. A prior commitment kept him away. But come race day, here comes Rust. He took to the track for a few practice laps. Oh boy, we thought White was fast with a 14.43….Rust turned a 14.31.
Now all the competitors are saying “We’re running for third place.”
Racing got underway with the 1st Heat won by #18 Ryan Rust. The 2nd Heat was won by #25 Paul White. Feature race…Rust on the pole, #56 Landis on the outside, the #23 of Heflin inside third spot. The green flag is thrown and Rust jumps out by three cars going into the back stretch with the #56 of Landis in pursuit.
Before the race Landis said they made numerous changes to the car all day and they’ll be lucky to finish on the same lap as the rest of the field. But whatever changes were made, it turned out fairly well. The 56 started to reel in the 18 of Rust but it wasn’t his night.
Racing all over the track with White and Heflin battling for the third spot and the balance of the field swapping positions so many times it was hard to keep up with them.
Rust #18 takes the checkered flag, Landis #56 second, #25 White third, and Heflin #23 fourth.
Good hard clean racing. Rust’s crew chief has figured it out. Rowdy Gordon surely learned in a very short time the art of Pro Challenge, Open Wheel Modified, etc. This team will be hard to beat in 2012. Pro Challenge competitors will get all they can handle out of the #18 of Rust.
The Pro Challenge Rep would like to thank the racers that came from Georgia to the Sunshine Region for the opening race of 2012. He encourages all Pro Challenge racers from all regions to come to Florida to compete for that $500 to win.
But for now, #18 Ryan Rust…you are the Big Dog!!!
