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For Immediate Release - March 6, 2008 - From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office)
Thorold, Ontario (March 6) … It was about 2 years ago to today when we learned that Travis Braun was preparing for his rookie season in Merrittville Speedway’s Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division after purchasing the BRP Racer that Wayne Conn drove to a points championship in 2005.
Fast forward to today and he is anxiously awaiting Merrittville Speedway’s Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 100 and another Rookie Season after moving up the ranks to the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds.
Similarly to the 2006 division move, Braun’s new ride for the coming season is that of another defending champion – a former BRP Chassis driven last season by Pete Bicknell.
“It’s 51 days away … but I wish it was tomorrow … the car has pretty much been done for a month,” revealed Braun, “I think I’m more nervous anticipating the start of the season than I will be when I’m out on the track … but what an experience it will be.”
Growing up as a kid in the stands like so many others, Travis Braun came to cheer for drivers like Pete Bicknell and Ken Cosgrove, “and now I’m about to race against them.”
Growing up as a kid, Travis also got to watch his dad and his uncle Rudy as they maintained a Trans Am Series Corvette the two had back in the day.
Growing up as a kid, Travis got the itch to go racing himself and his kart would take the Vette’s number - 5Jr.
In that first go round with the sport, a young Braun set as a goal – to someday race in the Modified Division. Now that he has made his way from a start in the Hoosier Stocks through to the Sportsman as #76 – he will live his dream this season back how it all started – as number 5Jr.
Shortly after the close of last season, Travis would marry his girlfriend Alicia whose family has quite a history in the Southern Ontario and Western New York racing community.
She raced a kart herself for a few seasons at Merrittville but now she is content watching her brother BJ Willard and cousins Tyler and Cody McPherson when not cheering on Travis.
“The timing was just perfect,” remarked Travis, “towards the end of last season we were thinking of moving up … many of my sponsors were behind me – especially DBN Drywall … as Alicia and I embark on our life together … I’d like to have the 358 experience to look back on.”
While Travis’ race shop still remains at his parents place – the newlyweds will soon be celebrating their 6 month anniversary in a farm house that the couple have been renovating.
Prior to a recent posting on Merrittville’s Message Board looking for crew members – the move to the premier division has been something that Travis and his Dad – just the two of them together - have done together.
Growing up as a kid, Travis would constantly check the Triad for race cars for sale – taking his findings to his dad. Wally’s answer - he would have to prove to him that he was serious about the sport.
When the Brauns came home from a vacation a few years ago – Travis set out to do just that – and Mom and Dad both were quite surprised by finding a Hoosier Stock in their driveway.
When it came time for Conn ’s car – the race shop had no heat or electricity and Travis brought it up to code all on his own.
With the latest move – it was Travis again – tossing around a brand new car or his old one with a new Ken Cosgrove 358 powerplant and the decision was made during a conference call from BRP.
When most of us were watching Pete Bicknell’s track prep efforts at the Dirt Track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last fall – he was also involved in setting Braun up with his former car including engine - along with Randy Williamson.
“It’s going to be a neat start to the year,” adds Braun of April 26th’s Super DIRTcar Series Event, “the 100 lapper maybe has provided some good motivation … hopefully I will be able to qualify.”
As the Count Down to Green continues – Braun will get some seat time in the Pete Bicknell Driving School in addition to Practice Day which is also quickly approaching. While some end of season racing down the road is not out of the question – Braun is definitely looking towards following the Lucas Oil Shootout which kicks off as well at Merrittville – Monday May 19th.
Before that 50 lap event and the rest of his 2008 Rookie Season unfolds – Braun is counting down the days until his dream comes true when his 358 Modified Career launches Saturday April 26th.
Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway in just 51 Days – Saturday April 26th.
The star studded Advance Auto Parts 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stars are set to challenge our home town heroes in the Spring Sizzler 100 presented by Baron Roofing.
With plenty of free camping – it puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as a must see event it’s just the start of 2008 – you won’t want to miss a single event all season!
To learn more call 905-685-7223 until April 1st or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
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