American Iron Gears up for August at Mid Ohio

[mansier]

AMERICAN IRON GEARS UP FOR AUGUST AT MID OHIO

 

 

Lexington, Ohio April 2004

 

After two rounds of the Midwest Road Racing Championship, the drivers of the OH/IN Region are already showing why they may be a force to be reckoned with at the August 20-22 American Iron National Convention at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. Over 20 cars have registered for events. Car preparation has certainly stepped up since 2003, and the track records are falling. A few more newly built cars are rumored to attend the next round at Putnam Park Road Course and should put the current front-runners to the test.

 

After two strong finishes at Mid Ohio April 3rd and 4th, the rookie from 2003, #7 Greg Brown sits atop the current American Iron standings with 389 points. The #7 car has seen extensive work since the end of 2003 including a new front splitter. “We have some pictures from Mid-Ohio showing some deflection in the ends of the splitter,” Brown added. “We are definitely seeing results from the front aerodynamic work, and are now going to re-engineer it for greater strength and downforce.” Additional work may be coming for the rear of the car, something that should make this front-running team even tougher to beat.

 

Last years American Iron Xtreme champion Brian Tone and the 2003 American Iron Runner-Up Mark Wilson have teamed up for 2004, and the current result is a 2nd place standing. Coming off a commanding win at the first round at Nashville Superspeedway, the team has once again showed why they are one to beat. Consistency and mechanical durability have paved the way to their current standing. “Look for a new car to be unveiled at either Putnam Park or BeaveRun,” said Tone. Co-Driver Wilson added “we had a good battle for the championship last year with Elliot Fisher, but we plan on taking home the championship trophy this year.” The new car is said to be a 2005 Mustang, something that will be completely new to the American Iron ranks.

 

Third place is currently occupied by perhaps the most improved driver and car from 2003. Jason Andrew worked hard over the winter on an aerodynamic and engine package that have shown big results for 2004. The driver of the #11 car believes the changes have helped. “The engine is a big improvement from 2003, but still down on power a bit. The aerodynamic additions have really made a difference.” Andrew’s car has a new front splitter and rear spoiler that have really made him a threat in the rain.

 

After a 1st and 2nd place finish at Nashville, Robin Burnett had bad luck strike at Mid-Ohio with engine failure after taking Saturday’s pole. Reports are the engine is already back together, and ready for the next round. Dean Smeltzer is back for 2004, and showed some speed at Mid-Ohio in a car that was borrowed from Brian Tone. Watch for Smeltzer to be a threat for the win at Putnam Park.

 

In the American Iron Xtreme battle Steve Post is on top with two wins and a second place to his credit. After battling mechanical gremlins at Nashville, Post is positive on his chances for a championship. “We are coming to all of the events this year, and we’ll bring something better every time.”

 

Rookie David Morrison currently sits in second place, with a very experienced and fast Barry Kline sitting in third. After suffering a penalty that sent Kline to the back of the pack for Mid-Ohio’s Saturday race, #66 Kline stormed through the pack to finish 5th overall. Kline is clearly fast and has what it takes, so we expect a strong performance from his team.

 

Putnam Park will also see the debut of the Borton Racing #50 car, as well as, last year’s VIR winner Chris Griswold. Both are said to be bringing some monster engines, and new wide body designs that will turn the pavement upside down. “This car is a complete redesign,” said Kurt Borton, crew chief for the #50. “There has never been anything like this car in American Iron racing. It is sure to turn a few heads.”

 

The next two rounds of the American Iron Midwest Road Racing Championship take place May 22-23 at Putnam Park Road Course, and June 5-6 at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex. The later event will also pit the Eastern Region Drivers against the Midwest in a cross-region event. “We had a great field for last year’s BeaveRun event which gathered one of the largest number of American Iron cars ever. This year’s Midwest AI/AIX racers are even faster than last year, and should make for a great show. Hopefully we will see the debut of the improved, faster AIX cars of Griswold and Borton, and maybe even a 2005 Mustang and never before raced Thunderbird Supercoupe. This series is just beginning to get hot!”

 

There is a regional championship at stake, in concert with the American Iron National Convention where all the drivers across the country are invited to attend the August 20-22 Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. This is the first of its kind, and will run during a spectator event weekend at Mid-Ohio rumored to be bringing a large crowd. “We look forward to getting as many drivers together at one place to meet each other, discuss the rules, and have a spectacular race,” said Ryan Flaherty, National Chairman. Regional Director Lawrence Mansier added, “An OH/IN region driver took first place overall in last year’s big VIR event (an event that drew from California to Georgia), and I’m confident that one of our drivers will do it again.” For more information on the Midwest Road Racing Championship, the OH/IN Region of NASA, and American Iron, visit http://www.racenasa.com.

 

 

 

Current Points:

 

2004 AI/AIX NV 3/13 Pole NV 3/14 Pole MO 4/3 Pole MO 4/4 Pole Total

American Iron

 

Greg Brown 85 90 100 100 4 379

B. Tone/M. Wilson 100 80 80 90 355

Jason Andrew 80 85 90 85 340

Keith Orawiec 75 75 68 218

Robin Burnett 90 4 100 4 4 202

Dean Smeltzer 70 80 150

Elliot Fisher 80 80

Marc Ruhling 69 69

 

 

American Iron Xtreme

 

Steve Post 100 90 4 100 290

David Morrison 90 100 4 194

Barry Kline 100 100

John Vickerman 85 85

David Smith 4 4

 

 

April 20, 2004

Written By: Lawrence Mansier

 

 

Edited for points and National Convention information.

Edited April 26, 2004 by Guest

[johnbasf]

Nice writeup Lawrence. The Midwest group is looking real good this year.

[racercosmo]

I might have to stop at Mid Ohio on the way to VIR.