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BALLOU MAKES LONG HAUL EVENTFUL
ROSSBURG, OH (March 30) – Commuting between California and Ohio can be tiring, but Golden State driving sensation Robert Ballou has found something to overcome the boredom – the thrill of victory at Eldora Speedway.
Just coming off his 19th birthday, Ballou is riding a hot streak on Eldora’s famed high-banks, with back to back USAC (United States Auto Club) non-winged Sprint Car racing in 2007 and has submitted his bid to shoot for a three-peat when USAC kicks off the Eldora season this Saturday (April 5).
Hailing from Rocklin, CA, some 1942 miles from Rossburg, OH, Ballou has been racing since the age of 5; having started out in Quarter Midget racing. His Sprint Car career began in 2003 in his home state of California and last season made the trek to the Midwest to follow the rigorous USAC trail that has catapulted the careers of drivers such as current Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, J. J. Yeley and many more.
Nicknamed the ‘Rocklin Rocket’, Ballou was not intimidated at all by Eldora last April in his initial appearance, as he literally flew to a victory and that backed that up in September with another convincing win, over a talent-laden field, in the annual Four Crown Nationals.
Ballou will again be behind the wheel of the MPGH Promotions, Inc. owned Maxim Chassis, powered by a Don Ott engine. Jimmy Jones returns as Ballou’s crew chief as they attempt to become the second-ever driver to win three Eldora USAC Sprint features in a row. Eldora’s most prolific USAC driver, Jack Hewitt did the trick twice, first during the 1988 season, and then at the close of the 1990 campaign and the start of the 1991 trail.
Undoubtedly the task won’t be easy, as the Eldora USAC opener traditionally attracts a hefty field of entrants, with fresh teams.
Completing the April 5 tripleheader will be the Moser UMP Modifieds and Advance Auto Parts Stock Cars with a 7:30 race time. Complete event information may be found on the track’s website www.eldoraspeedway.com.
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