BRISTOLVILLE, OH – Russ and the #56 late model team headed south for the last week of racing with a handful of mixed emotions. They were excited about the position they were in with a comfortable point lead in the battle for both the Rookie of the Year and the tenth spot in the World of Outlaws Late Model Championship point’s race. However, they were also apprehensive because, as we all know; it’s never really over until it’s over, no matter how comfortable the lead might have appeared.

They were confident because of the consistency of their finishes since mid-season and also because of the recent win at McKean County Speedway. But they were also concerned because, as Russ said, “The other drivers aren’t going to be throwing in the towel just yet.”

They felt a sense of relief knowing this would be the last long trip away from home for the 2009 racing season. Yet they felt a sense of anxiety with the realization there would be no more racing until the 2010 season begins.

Concord, NC – November 4 – When the hauler pulled into The Dirt Track at Charlotte early Wednesday, there was a long line of teams waiting for the gates to open. Eighty-two of the best teams from around the country were on hand to try their hand at collecting some of The Showdown and Final’s purse booty.

First up on the racing schedule was the Topless Showdown. One of the first tasks on the list was to remove the roof, ergo topless. Although this was a show points only race, it was still a matter of setting the tone for the balance of the weekend. Each participating Outlaw team would receive the same seventy-five point value for the first night only.

Russ was one of two rookie contenders to make it into the Topless Showdown feature. However, rough track conditions delayed the feature until Thursday night. Russ advanced five spots from his starting position to finish twenty-third. The equipment was completely intact and that was important too.

The Finals – Qualifying Night – There would be two rounds of qualifying, one set for Friday’s race and the second round for Saturday’s feature. Russ managed the thirty-second and thirty-fifth spots in his two rounds. He was comfortably in the top half but there were a lot of great teams in the house.

The Finals – Friday – Final’s Race One – Russ was able to use a provisional starting position taking the twenty-sixth starting slot. He drove up to eighteenth spot before the checkers flew. This was the race that cemented his grasp of the Rookie of the Year title and also the tenth position in the overall points chase.

The Finals – Saturday – Final’s Race Two – Three of the rookie contenders made the Saturday feature, but the battle was already over. Russ finished twentieth, on this, the final night of racing.

Wrap Up:
After nearly eleven months of racing and following/chasing the WoO Late Model Tour across the country, the season was now over. The RoY title was won by a 131 point margin. The tenth spot in the WoO Championship points race was secured by a 199 point margin. With only twenty some late model races under his belt at the start of the season it is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of.

The WoO Late Model Awards Banquet – The Great Wolf Lodge hosted the series banquet on Sunday night. It was a night to relax and spend time with friends, both old and new. Some racing stories were re-hashed and rumors about the 2010 season were discussed.

Russ made several trips to the main stage to receive his Rookie of the Year and Tenth Place awards along with presentations from Integra Shocks and Rocket Chassis. There is no easy way to describe the emotions of this night or the season in general. Russ probably summed it up quite well stating, “I’m simply living the dream! I can’t thank my family and crew, especially volunteer crew chief Bobby Bachman enough.”

He added, “Chub Frank and Tim Fuller were a tremendous help throughout the grind of the tour. And the WoO officials did everything possible to make our first year a smooth one.”

Unfortunately it was a sad night also as Raye Vest, owner of Rick Eckert’s team, had passed away on Wednesday.  The King Motor Sport’s team joins the entire racing community in extending their heartfelt sympathy to the Vest family and #24 race team.  

Up Next:
Tentative plans call for another season on tour with The Outlaws. The crew has already started dismantling the race cars in preparation for the upcoming season. As usual, every part will be inspected and either rebuilt or replaced. Although it’s termed the “off season”, it will be far from a vacation.

It’s all business outside of the shop too as prospective sponsors are being contacted to discuss marketing options with Russ King for 2010. The winter racing in Georgia and Florida is just around the corner!

Thank You:
King Motor Sport’s #56 team would like to thank their 2009 marketing partners A-1 Racing Products, Mike Schimmley Kontracting, King Bros Ready-Mix, and Keizer Aluminum Wheels.

For additional information or to inquire about motorsport’s marketing opportunities with King Bros Racing, please contact Sis King (330)727-0565. http://www.kingbrosracing.com/

Prepared by Joe Secka – JMS ProPhoto – www.jmsprophoto.com