Buddy pilots his H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE hot rod in the 2016 SRL WINTER SHOWDOWN

February 28, 2016 - Buddy drove his H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, BAKERSFIELD MUFFLER hot rod across the finish line in P11 in the 250 lap SRL Winter Showdown.

After selling his gorgeous 1968 Chevy Camaro last month in January, Buddy made a trip to Theodore, Alabama and purchased his open late model ride from Dan, Linda and DJ Vanderlay Racing Team (VDL Fuel Systems) out of Theodore, Alabama.

 It was a challenging three days out at Kern County Raceway for Buddy's crew and himself as they experienced the first race in their newly purchased ride.  Their determination took Buddy from mid pack of practice times on Friday to being top 10 in Saturday's practice out of 41 cars!

When it was time for qualifying on Saturday, he qualified the fastest he's gone around the 1/2 track, placing him P20 out of 41 cars!  He then ran a 30 lap qualifier race, finishing third, placing him P18 for the start of the 250 lap SRL Winter Showdown.

Being the longest race he has ever experienced, it took three hours to run 250 laps! Buddy held his own while the field made risky moves which he dodged throughout the entire race.  At the ten minute half way break on lap 125, the team went to work changes tires, refueling, a few minor adjustments, and a clear view through his windshield.

During the course of the remaining laps, he experienced a flat, coming from a piece of metal on the track, lodging into his left rear tire.  He came into the hot pit under green, his stellar crew  replaced the tire but lost a few laps to the lead cars.

He drove his heart out until the end in a loose handling race car to finish P11.  His dirt track racing roots kept him and his hot rod on the track without incident.

A HUGE THANKS to his sponsors:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE and BAKERSFIELD MUFFLER.  And another HUGE THANKS for his volunteer crew:  Joel Askew, Tom Barton, Gary Spangle, Andy Worley, Darin Grantham, Dick Shepherd, Kellie Shepherd, Bo Bohannan, John Worley, Joe Castro, Mike Keen.  A special thanks to Dan James and The Johnny Ginn Family for their contributions for the race weekend.

Next Race:   March 12, 2016 - LoanMart Open Late Model 5K to Win!  Madera Speedway.  Buddy will be piloting Johnny Ginn's Open Late Model hot rod.

Race On!!!