More Mini Wins Churchill’s Aim
Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl Mini Stock competitor Randy Churchill has set high standards for 2008. He wants to win a lot of races.
He placed fifth in the final point standings, scoring a win in early August. “It was an OK season for us,” he says, “but we should have won more. Our main focus this year is getting back into victory lane on a more consistent basis.
Another tough Mini Stock campaign starts when the Speedbowl goes green on April 12-13 with the 12th annual Budweiser Nationals. Highlighted by the $20,000 SK-150, the schedule also includes the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Late Models and Sportsman. The NEMA Midgets, Legends, AllStar Race Trucks, Pro4 Modifieds, Allison Legacy Cars and NEMA Lites are all part of a busy weekend agenda.
Churchill prefers racing for the win every week and letting the numbers fall into place to point chasing.
“I don’t want it to sound like I don’t pay attention to the points,” he continues, “but sometimes putting too much emphasis on it can cause you to drive too cautiously. You end-up not making moves that you would ordinarily, and sometimes it costs you a shot at winning. If your performance is good on a weekly basis, the point thing takes care of itself.”
Churchill is quick to state that as far as his division goes, success at Waterford does not come easily. It takes a combination of things to reach victory lane, and you really have to be on top of your game. Defending champion Ken Cassidy Jr., Jeff Miller, Phil Evans, Kyle James and Dave Sylvia are accomplished competitors.
“We’ve run at a couple of other places. At Waterford, the cars are so evenly matched that getting a win is a super accomplishment. The Speedbowl is a real drivers’ track with a lot of emphasis on set-ups and sheer skill behind the wheel. It’s not just a matter of who has the most horsepower, it’s a combination of it all,” he says.
The team got off to a great start in 2008, taking “Best Appearing Car” in the Mini Stock class at Speedway Expo. He’s aware of what such an award means to loyal sponsors.
“That was a thrill to say the least,” says Churchill “We work very hard on having our equipment look sharp for the sponsors. We’ve got a loyal group of supporters on the car that makes it possible for me to race. The award was a great way to start the new season. Hopefully, it’ll be a preview of good things to come and we’ll be able to drive into victory lane more often in 2008. With a little bit of luck, maybe we’ll even notch our first track title.”
Sources: Dave Dykes/Waterford Speedbowl PR