West Coast’s AJ Russell Visits The East Coast for a Test Drive
Oswego, NY — With anticipation building for the East-West Supermodified Shootout that will take place at Concord Motor Speedway on November 2 and 3 as part of the North-South Shootout action, A.J. Russell of Clovis, CA made a long trip to do some testing recently. Russell hauled his West Coast Super number 7 to Berlin Raceway on Sept. 29 to compete with the ISMA and MSA regulars. While not meeting his expectations finish wise, Russell none-the-less gained some insight into the east coast racing and he also enjoyed himself. So much so that he will also compete at Thompson Speedway’s World Series of Racing on Oct. 13-14.
Russell, used to running tracks like Meridian (ID), Rocky Mt. and Spokane (WA), Madera (CA), Douglas (OK) and TRP (AZ), brought the slick number 7 out of the hauler in Michigan and with the help of ISMA tech officials, made the car ready to race. While there are similarities between the West and East Coast built supermodifieds, there are differences – mainly that of the minimum weight. That may not be an issue at Concord.
West Coast cars, according to their website, are defined as follows: “ASA/WSS supermodifieds weigh between 1725 to 2000 pounds and are allowed no more than a 68% left side weight ratio. These methanol fueled rockets are powered by aluminum small block Chevrolets or Fords ranging in size from 360 to 454 cubic inches and with some big block engines at 488 cubic inches, the engines deliver a range of 750 to nearly 900 horsepower.
With no starters, batteries, clutches or transmissions, the car’s power is transferred through a quick-change rear axle and pushed to start. For traction, supermodifieds mount special Hoosier racing slick tires.
Two wings that create down force, from 3000 to 5000 pounds of pressure, control the aerodynamics. One 2400 to 4000 square inch wing is mounted to the roll cage and the second is attached to the nose and is generally 500 square inches.
These specialty cars require parts that can only be individually fabricated, creating a single car’s value to an estimated $150,000.”
Russell had a good time at Berlin despite his 20th place finish. Afterwards he commented, “It was a pretty good run. Coming from California we knew we had engine problems when we left Colorado. We got here and took it to the dyno but unfortunately that didn’t work out for us today. We still had the same problems we had before. Racing with such a great group of people – I had a blast. We started in the back, made some ground there halfway through the race and ended up having to retire with motor problems. All in all I would say it was a pretty good experience. Concord is going to be a blast!”
More Westerners have entered the competition at Concord and the list is growing. Besides AJ Russell, Jim Birges, Fresno, CA; Harry Stone, Bloomfield, CO; Dale Lamborn, Carson City, NV, and Richard Castor, Bennett, CO have sent entries.
The 5th Annual North-South Shootout™is set for November 2&3, 2007 at Concord Motorsport Park. The 100-lap Modified event will highlight an action-packed two-day racing event that will also feature the inaugural East-West Supermodified Shootout ™ SK-type Modifieds, Crate SK-Type Modifieds, Four Cylinders, and Vintage Modifieds and Vintage Sportsman. For complete information and supermodified entries for the Shootouts visit www.northsouthshootout.com.
ISMA ends it season at Thompson’s World Series this weekend on October 13-14 with qualifying on Saturday and a 50-lapper on Sunday. While Chris Perley has already clinched the 2007 ISMA-Wirtgen title with 10 feature wins, many of the top point spots are still up for grabs. Go to www.thompsonspeedway.com.
Sources: WhoWon.com