Rowe Family is In the Driver’s Seat for SLM North Championship Battle

By admin October 9, 2007

Naples, ME — In racing, there have been battles through the years of brother-against-brother, friend-against-friend and teammate-versus-teammate. Sometimes a victory has been at stake. At other times, it’s been a championship.

In the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Models this season, it has often been a competition between a father and his son for much of the 2007 season. Maine racing legend Mike Rowe has won five events this season, while his son Ben has won one race, but finished second on five occasions. Entering the PASS North season finale at White Mountain Motorsports Park (NH) this weekend, Ben Rowe enjoys a slim 12-point margin in the standings over his father. Richie Dearborn still has a chance at the title too, if both Rowes run into early trouble and Dearborn has a strong race.

“It’s awesome,” said Mike Rowe of the title fight. “We both have a shot at it and Richie Dearborn does too.”

Despite the fact that Mike is one of the most accomplished drivers to ever come out of the state of Maine, and despite Ben’s three PASS North championships, this is the first time that father and son have raced each other for a title this late in a season.

“I’ve never battled him for a championship before,” said Ben. “But we both have really good teams now and it shows.”

The two top title contenders also work alongside each other every day at Rowe and Sons Trucking in Turner, Maine. They often talk racing, but don’t let the topic take over their daily lives either.

“We talk a little about the racing,” said Ben. “We’ll joke and carry on. We jab back and forth at each other. We have fun with it.”

“There is a lot of pride there,” said Mike. “I’ve shown him everything that I know and he’s picking up a few things on his own. Now I think that he knows more than I do.”

“It’s tough because we’ve got to be careful when we race each other,” added Ben. “But I’d rather compete against him for a championship than anyone else. That means that we are both on the top of our game.”

Ben Rowe drives for Richard Moody Racing, while Mike wheels the PT Watts-owned #2 car. Both teams are championship-caliber operations and neither contender has lucked into collecting points this year. In fact, both Rowes should be among the biggest threats to win at White Mountain.

“I think we’re in a good position,” said Ben. “We’re going to one of my best tracks. Basically, if we finish in the top five, we’ll win the championship no matter what he does. That’s what we’re banking on at least.”

“As long as one of us wins it, it will be good,” said Mike. “Ben has been really consistent all year long and he’ll be tough to beat. He runs so well at White Mountain, I almost think that he’s got it in the bag. But they say it’s not over until the fat lady sings, so we’ll see what happens.”

And don’t expect either Rowe to settle for points racing at White Mountain.

“We’re going up there to try and win the race,” said Ben. “Once we get racing, that’s what it is all about. I just can’t be stupid and take risks that’s all.”

“I’ve got to win and he’s only got to finish,’ said Mike. “It won’t be easy to win though. There are 10 good cars that can win the race and it won’t be a cakewalk for either of us. It’s going to be a heck of a show.”

The PASS event at White Mountain Motorsports Park (NH) will be a two-day show. The PASS Modifieds and Outlaw Late Models will race on Saturday, October 12th with the PASS North Super Late Models and PASS Pullen Heavy Industries Sportsmen competing on Sunday, October 14th.

FULL EVENT SCHEDULE HERE    Wildcat Rules HERE

Sources: PASS PR

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