1/12/2016
Team Redbeard Drivers Prepare For Chili Bowl
TULSA, Okla. – It’s possibly the toughest race to win in all of motorsports. Nearly 350 drivers from across the globe have descended on Tulsa, Okla. for the 30th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, looking to secure the Golden Driller trophy just five days from now. After practice sessions throughout the day Monday, four drivers represented by Redbeard Promotions are ready to take on their preliminary races later in the week.
Of the four, the driver who has advanced furthest in the Chili Bowl standings in previous years is also the youngest. A Chili Bowl rookie last year, Monrovia, Ind. driver Justin Peck placed seventh in the A-Main on his preliminary night after starting 19th, a passing effort exceeded only by four-time champ Kevin Swindell. Peck looked to be in prime position to transfer from the B-Main on Saturday and into the big show, but an early crash held him back from achieving that. This year, he hopes to redeem himself and move into the prestigious main event with his family’s No. 5X DRC/Esslinger backed by Brase Yourself and Dura Coat Products, with preliminary racing on Thursday.
Also competing by way of Indiana, but a native of Sikeston, Mo., Hunter Schuerenberg looks to punch his first ticket to the main event as well, but with preliminary A-Main action under his belt from last year. This time around, he’s in a coveted position, driving a machine from the Loyet Motorsports stable. The group has put numerous entries into the Saturday finale in the past, and “Hunter Percent” will make his attempt in the No. o5H Spike/Esslinger entry sponsored by Ealey Transportation and Roof Bolt Express, beginning with prelim action Friday night.
Schuerenberg’s brother-in-law Clinton Boyles is making his third run at the Chili Bowl this year, hoping to improve on his F-Main appearance in 2015. Though Boyles had little midget experience in his first two attempts, that has changed for this season. Over the summer, the Greenwood, Mo. driver raced his family entry with great results, including a win and two runners-up well within striking distance of wins. His No. 98D Stealth/Esslinger entry is supported by Rod End Supply and Moon Construction, and will be in preliminary competition on Friday.
The final of the four comes from Fairland, Ind. Gage Walker, a high-school senior, makes his third Chili Bowl start as well. Last year’s I-Main was a step down from his initial F-Main start in his rookie run, but Walker comes in this time as a POWRi National Midget Series victor this season. Fearless and fast, the former quarter midget racer is excited to take another crack at America’s most renowned indoor bullring. He’ll drive his family’s No. 7XX Spike/Esslinger sponsored by Impact Racing and Wilwood Brakes, entering preliminary racing on Thursday.
Each of the four drivers have sponsors and others that they would like to recognize, and are listed below:
Peck would like to thank Dura Coat Products, Brase Yourself, Factory Kahne, Simpson Race Products, Lucas Oil, Keizer Wheels, Hoosier Racing Tire, Saldana Racing Products, Pit Stop BBQ & Grill, Kwik Change Products, and Spider Graphix, as well as his parents, Joe Devin, Carl Thomas, Rich Gabel, Jon Steed, Mike Gass, Zack Burks, and all of his fans for their continued support.
Schuerenberg would like to thank Roof Bolt Express, Nolen Racing, Mach 1 Chassis, Competition Suspension Inc., AFCO Racing, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Hinchman Racewear, Keizer Wheels, High Side Design, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, and Ron Gorby’s Howard Johnson, as well as all of his fans for their continued support.
Boyles would like to thank Aaron Moon with Moon Construction, and Hinchman Racewear, as well as his fans and family for their continued support.
Walker would like to thank Impact Racing, Wilwood Brakes, Superior Bearing & Supply, Business Art Designs, Spike Chassis, and Walker & Sons, as well as his family and fans for their continued support.
Article Credit: Redbeard Promotions
