Brian Wong and Speed Wong Racing headed out to the cornfields of the Mid West for the 12th race of the NASCAR West season at Iowa Speedway. With great finishes at the last two NASCAR Camping World Series road course events, the Speed Wong Racing crew and Brian were looking forward to return to oval track racing.

First there was a pit stop in Colorado for testing at Pikes Peak International Speedway, so that Brian was able to get back in the swing of racing an oval. Brian’s last time at an oval track was on the 4th of July at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale, doing very well until a late race incident with a demolition driving car. Testing ended amidst a thunder storm and the car and rig were back on the road to Iowa, meeting the team on Wednesday.

After flying into Des Moines airport, the Team made the road trip through the various cornfields to arrive in the quaint town of Newton, Iowa. Checking into the -1 star rated, Newton Inn, was an experience no one on the team will forget and was the horror of everyone’s weekend. Kevin Myrick slept in his clothes on top of the bed just to stay clean. Jeff Hensley slept with his hat on to protect his head. Nonetheless, food, and frolicking were had by all while dining at Newton’s finest establishments (check the photos). Business time came Thursday morning for the team to spend the day getting through NASCAR Tech. Iowa Speedway is a new, state of the art 7/8 Mile banked track and the officials wanted to be sure that the cars were all up to spec, and safe.

The first practice of the day came at 9 o’clock Friday morning. Brian was 3rd fastest off the trailer, giving the team a boost to get them through the rest of the day. Second practice followed not long after, with many set up changes being done to the car. The team gradually set the car up loose so when race time came at night, as the track got tighter, the car would fall into place. Brian came in from second practice in the 11th position, with a loose car but a good start for the race. Qualifying was a completely different story, Brian was extremely loose, not allowing him to have grip in order to lay down a fast qualifying lap, placing him in the 17th starting position for the race.

The team was positive and ready for the race knowing that the track is completely different in the day than in the night. The right set up had the car perfect for the race. The Green flag dropped with the sun setting behind the grandstands. Brian had a great start, keeping his position and focusing on catching the cars in front of him. The car didn’t have the right transition from earlier in the day to night, making it hard for Brian to drive and to keep up with the fast leader David Mayhew. The race had a 10 minute intermission and the Speed Wong Racing crew hit their marks on change tire, adding fuel and making necessary adjustments to the track bar with the guidance of crew chief Junior Joiner. Brian and the field were back out on the track to finish the last 50 laps of the 125 lap race. The changes done to the car helped Brian but the rest of the field had also advanced during the intermission. Brian was able to finish in 14th place and to keep the Quiksilver/Northeastern University #89 out of any trouble, giving Speed Wong Racing another solid finish and in the NASCAR Camping World Series.

After the race, the team loaded up the trailer and everyone made the final trek to the Newton Inn for a well deserved late evening cooler of refreshments. In the parking lot, eating Big Macs, and drinking milk, the team was joined by the Berkshire race team, where everyone socialized and relaxed after a long day at the track. The photos will show quite of bit of socializing. The next day, half of the Team stayed for the NASCAR Truck race to root on our driver, Matt Crafton.

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After sweeping the Patron GT3 Challenge in the Porsche GT3 Cup car at Mosport Grand Prix in Canada, Brian and team photographer Evan Miller flew straight from Toronto to Colorado Springs.  Brian met up with the Speed Wong Racing NASCAR team, crew chief Dan Joiner and car chief Derek Thorn to test at Pike’s Peak International Raceway.  The test was in preparation for the scheduled Labor Day NASCAR West race in Iowa.  The last time Brian raced an oval was at the NASCAR West series held on July 4th at Irwindale Speedway.  After over a month that was full of traveling to IMSA Patron GT3 races, which run road courses, Brian took the opportunity to test the #89 Quiksilver/ Northeastern University Toyota at Pike’s Peak 1 mile banked oval.

Testing was for only one day and the car was fast off the trailer.  Some adjustments needed to be made so the car would be ready for Iowa.  The Iowa race is scheduled to run at night, in which the car and track change throughout the day and into the night.  Junior Joiner will be Brian’s crew chief for the weekend and he used the test day as an opportunity to get a head start in Iowa.

At the end of the day, testing was very helpful getting the right car set up and ready for Iowa.  The test also allowed Brian more seat time and making the transition from road racing and the small and nimble Porsche GT3 Cup car to oval racing with the larger, heavier NASCAR West Car.

For more information on Speed Wong Racing, either its sports car or stock car programs, or on driver Brian Wong, please contact Christine Janosko at cj@speedwongracing.com

The Speed Wong Racing team was back together at Toole, Utah for race #10 of the NASCAR Camping World West series.  The team, and driver Brian Wong, were glad to get back at it after the great 3rd place finish at the prior race in Portland.  Coming into Miller Motorsports Park, the crew was more confident in their abilities as a team and energized to see what this weekend would bring.  Brian on the other hand was coming back to Miller Motorsports Park where he stood on the podium twice in his Porsche races earlier this year in May, winning 1st in Round 3 and coming in 2nd place in Round 4.  He was comfortable coming onto this track, knowing the distinct characteristics and the challenges of the 3.08-mile road course. 

Speed Wong Racing came to Miller with the same fast car from the last race at Portland, but was missing Crew Chief, Dan Joiner.  Dan was ill and at the last minute did not make the flight.  The Team happily reports that Dan is recovering and hopes to be at the next race.  The #89 came out of first practice of the day 6th fastest overall.  Adjustments were made to the car with the help of engine specialist Rick Mix and Interim Crew Chief Derrick Thorn, the car and team prepared for the second practice session. Coming 6th fastest again in the final practice, the Speed Wong Racing team knew that Brian would have a solid top ten start in Saturday’s Miller Motorsports Park 125.  With Saturday’s accomplishments of top ten fastest in both practices, the team dinner was well deserved, including the celebration of Christine Janosko’s, who is in charge of Speed Wong Racing’s Public Relations, make believe “14th” birthday. 

The team was at the track early Saturday morning for preparation of the day’s qualifying round and later the 41 laps of racing.  2 laps of qualifying put the #89 in the 6th (again) position, still keeping the #89 towards the front to start the race. Just like the Portland race, the race at Miller Motorsports Park would be a fuel mileage race.  Fuel mileage calculations were done by Billy Thomas and Jeff Hensley, and the fuel window was set at lap 14, hopefully coming in under a caution. 

Having raced at Miller now a few times, in both the NASCAR and Porsche series, Brian and Speed Wong Racing have made several fans amongst the Utah race fans.  The team was very appreciative of all the new friends who have been so supportive of us.  Because of these fan friends, our visits are so comfortable and enjoyable.

Prior to the race, during driver introductions, Brian was recognized for and received two awards for his great driving performance at Portland.  The Featherlite Most Improved Driver and Wixs Filters Lap Leader.  A couple of more honors and checks that Brian thanked his team for.

The drop of the green flag came and Brian continued his hold in the top ten.  A caution came on lap 16, just before Brian came onto pit road, but allowed him to stop in his fuel mileage window, trying not to not run out of gas before the finish.  The crew going over the pit wall hit all their marks, did small adjustments to the car sending Brian back out on the track, just outside the 10th position.  Brian raced back into the top ten knowing he had enough fuel to continue his quest to the front of the pack.  The adjustments from the pit stop weren’t enough to loosen the car, which made it difficult for Brian move around the course.  Brian and the #89 team gave it their all, working hard, but had to settle to finish just outside the top five, in the 6th position.  The finish gave Speed Wong Racing a solid second time, top ten finish for the season.  Another overall great weekend again for Speed Wong Racing and for Brian and his accomplishments in the NASCAR Camping World Series.

The summary for Owner Jennifer Wong’s brother: Pre-determined; a bad set of 6’s. 

First Practice:	6th
Second Practice:	6th
Qualifying:	6th
Finish:	6th

We’re on to the Team’s final race of the NASCAR West 2009 season: Iowa on September 4th.  Brian returns back to Northeastern University immediately after the race for his 3rd year in Boston.

Thank you to all of our friends, new fans and supporters of Speed Wong Racing and driver, Brian Wong.

With Appreciation,

Track:	Portland International Raceway
Driver:	Brian Wong
Series:	NASCAR Camping World West
Finish:	3rd
Awards:	Race Lap Leader- 20 Most Improved Driver
Sponsors:	Quiksilver, Northeastern University, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream
Car Owner:	Jennifer Wong

Brian ran the race of his young NASCAR career at Portland International Raceway.  The Speed Wong Racing #89 qualified 7th and started the race in a good position.  The team and driver had never been to the Portland track before.  The city hasn’t hosted a NASCAR series race in 23 years, so the weekend race was a new experience for both the race teams and fans.  At the autograph session, hundreds of fans lined up for the driver’s autographs. 

Crew Chief Dan Joiner had a race plan before he arrived at the track.  Road course races are generally fuel mileage tests that benefit from smart pit strategy. The Crew Chief outsmarted the entire field, by bringing Brian into the pits on lap 16 of 64, adding just gas and sending Brian back out.  Other leaders saw Brian pit and came in within 4 laps to do the same.  But it was too late for all, Brian went  back out in last place and raced hard from last to first.  Brian lead the race for the next 20+ green flag laps.  Not only did he race to the lead, but held it convincingly pulling away from the field.  The set up started to go away and the car slowed, but Brian kept the #89 car in the top 3 for remaining 22 laps, constantly battling 5 other cars for the lead.

There has never been the rush of pride and excitement in the pit stall when Brian took the lead for the first time.  The entire team, and I dare say, many of the estimated 20,000 fans, were literally jumping up and down.  Brian not only held the lead but maintained a six car length advantage.  There was a lot of jumping exercise for the pit crew for those 20 laps, 40 miles.

The dreaded news came over the radio:  We were running ‘out of gas’.  Tire specialist and budding college engineer, Billy Thomas had done the fuel calculations and told Crew Chief Dan Joiner what the early pit window was.  Dan pulled the trigger on lap 16 bringing Brian in for that splash of gas to top off the car.  The hope was the #89 would have just enough fuel to finish the race in the lead.  With 10 laps left, the fuel indicator light began blinking. 

Spotters Chris Janosko and Jerel Reeves kept Brian alert of the need to conserve fuel during the ensuing yellow flag laps.  It was comedic, “Brian, race hard, keep digging, drive it like it was stolen, but please save fuel”.  Shutting off the engine and coasting on caution laps, keeping the motor sipping fuel, and not gunning it until the green flag came out were all the car could do to save fuel.  Brian’s fuel light kept blinking.   There was no more jumping for the team, as the entire team began pacing back and a forth for the final 20 minutes.  The race leader at the time, the #17 car, sadly ran out of fuel with 2 laps left, stopped dead on the track.  Other teams told Chris Jansoko, B’s spotter, that they calculated we’d be out of gas and told their drivers to wait for #89 to drop.  The race ran 2 laps longer than planned because of the yellow flags at the end.  Billy’s calculations did not include the extra laps. 

The caution flags finally went away, a Green/White/Checkered finish loomed.  Brian had dropped to 3rd place when the race resumed.  He took the white in 3rd, came around the last turn #12 in 2nd, but the #26 blocked Brian into the wall just out of turn #12.  Brian bounced off of the wall and drag raced the #26 down the stretch.  Because of the banging, the #89 was wobbly, and although a great drag race, finished 1/1000 of a second behind for “only” 3rd place.  The car made it but sputtered after the checkered flag!  The recent bad luck was erased in Portland.

For our friends, all of you who started out with us when we were in Legends, and working our way up from Legends, to Trucks, to Late and SuperLates, thank you from Brian and the Speed Wong Racing family for your friendship and support.  Earning that lead, keeping it and finishing “only 3rd” was a monumental accomplishment.  Because of your friendships and support, it is that more meaningful.  Our team earned this the hard way.

While this wasn’t a Win, it was darn close and a great notice to all who underestimated Brian.  He’s already had a win in his only IMSA Porsche race this season and a great showing in this NASCAR West race. 

Good showings for Brian and Speed Wong Racing as the summer is half way over.  Thank you for your support.  Brian leaves on July 22nd for Chicago, races on July 25, 26 in the Patron GT3 Cup Challenge before returning to the NASCAR West race on August 1st in Salt Lake City. 

With great appreciation to Brian’s teammates, who kept the car running at Portland:

Tim Crawford:	Team Manager, knifeman and tough guy.
Big Jeff Hensley:	Car Chief, Gas Man and Jack Man. Nicest mean looking guy.
Chris Janosko:	Primary Spotter, wiffle ball coach and winner of most clichés.
Dan Joiner:	Crew Chief and most forgetful memory in NASCAR.
Kevin Myrick:	Pit Crew and comedic relief.  Winner of eating contest, hardest worker
Bob May:	Car Chief, Pit Crew muscle, Ex Army Ranger and pack a day smoker
Billy Thomas:	Tire Specialist, Pit Crew tires, UCI freshman
Jerel Reeves:	Fabricator of both sheet metal and dry jokes
Paul Dorrity:	Transport Driver, most entertaining guy, has best looking ex wife.
Bill Thomas:	Motor specialist and friend of Junior Johnson
Rick Mix:	Motor specialist and has keys to the donut shop
James Carpenter:	Mechanic, Pit Crew fuel catch can, cut off his hair for this race.
Christine Janosko:	Good with Public Relations, bad with cake and ranch dressing.
Junior Joiner:	Shock Specialist and the man who prepares the SWR cars for the track, none of the great equipment would be delivered without Junior.  Mr. High Strung.

All the best,

On a hot holiday weekend, the Speed Wong Racing team had the luxury of not traveling for this NASCAR Camping World West race. 
Brian #89 qualified 6th overall.  An excellent showing.  Car was a tad off but obviously good enough to be that fast.

One lap into race, window safety net wasn’t installed properly and it fell down.  Brian was forced by NASCAR to come into the pits to repair the net. 

Through hard racing, breaks and a Lucky Dog lap, Brian got back on lead lap well into the race.  He raced from last, down laps, to 8th  place and moving well with 20 laps left.  All felt an 8th place finish was coming and commendable because he raced from 2 laps down to a top ten.  All accounts were that Brian drove an excellent race.

But there are idiots at every track, in every race.  Dumbass #77 Andrew Myers was down 3+ laps with 20 of 200 laps left, when he raced #89 and #50 Chris Johnson hard, pushing Brian up into wall at start/finish line.  #89 spun side first into the exit gore point wall.  Brian said he saw the gore point coming up fast, gassed the car and spun it so that the crash took just the rear end off.  Potential was to split the car in half seriously injuring Brian.  Of course, loser Myers denied responsibility and argued with the SWR as to his fault.  Fireworks were inevitable before cooler heads prevailed.  Side note: Myers was same bozo who drilled Brian at Infineon last year when Brian was in 7th with a few laps left.  Same deal this race, what a dumbass.

Damages were: car ruined.  A brand new body built back east, very aero dynamic and made to turn left was trash.  Brian was banged up but anxious for Portland next week. 

All the best,

Speed Wong Racing has always enjoyed success at the Infineon Raceway.  In past years the Team has had a great time, both in racing and fun.  This weekend the Team anticipated more of the same.  The field for the race was large at 45+, since it was Cup weekend and every driver below the Cup level was trying to gain the attention of a Cup team.

Brian Wong, fresh from a good finish at Watkins Glen, was looking forward to racing a track he knew well.  Driving the #45 car for Speed Wong again was Cup driver and friend, David Gilliland.  The Team was excited and all was promising.

Both race haulers came ready to unload and win.  Between the two teams we had 30 people working hard to place 1st and 2nd.  The Team only disagreed on who would finish 1st.  New to the Team was Christine Janosko, who was working as Brian and David’s marketing assistant.  She helped walk Brian to all his meetings and through the throngs and masses of SWR fans!

David shuttled back and forth from the Cup and West garages, practicing, and his Cup responsibilities.  Brian got comfortable in his car and both drivers qualified on Friday afternoon.  David qualified 5th and Brian 10th.  In the top ten were a pack of West and Cup regulars, Logano, Said, Holmes and last year’s winner, Jason Bowles.

Most notable of the other drivers was Porsche factory driver and friend Patrick Long.  Patrick drove this West race for Bob Bruncati and the Sunrise Ford team.  Crew chief Bill Sedgwick fielded two cars, Jason Bowles and Patrick Long.  Not a bad stable.  Patrick put his #9 car on the Pole, for his first ever pole position.  Jason qualified 3rd. Congratulations to Patrick, Bill and Bob for their qualifying performance.

The race started on an ideal, cool and pleasant weather Saturday afternoon.  Within laps David has gone to sitting in second on Patrick’s bumper and stayed there until the first caution, pit stops.  Brian stayed around his 10th position jostling amongst the other drivers.  Patrick led and the top five bunched behind. 

Our high hopes started to unravel on lap 40 when Brian’s motor overheated.  As of this time, the motor and shop guys hadn’t diagnosed the problem.  Brian very dejectedly retired from the race.

David was still a top 5 car looking to finish first after biding his time during the 64 laps on the 2 mile track.  The Team’s hopes cascaded downhill on lap 48 when a vibration erupted in David’s front end, causing him to pull into his pits and leave the car.

A great qualifying for both the #89 and #45 had the hopes of the Team up.  The early race ending brought the Team’s emotions downhill.

There was greater disappointment still to be had.  Patrick Long lead the race early on.  After pit stops and race strategy, he was in not in the top 5 toward the end.  Patrick put on a great display of his road race skills and moved to 2nd place with a few laps remaining.  With 2 laps remaining Patrick passed Logano for the lead, but a yellow flag came out, NASCAR put Pat back to 2nd.  On the last lap, last set of turns, Patrick passed Logano for the lead, the win.  NASCAR saw the pass differently and ruled that Patrick hit Logano’s car and black flagged Pat taking the win away.  This was the exact opposite of Pat’s Watkins Glen race when Pat was leading and Truex shoved Pat off the track and got the win.  No penalty to Truex.

On the lighter side, Speed Wong continues to have a short memory and the race results were forgotten in time for dinner.  At dinner, Burger King hats with crowns of $100 bills were awarded the recipients of several awards.  Tim Crawford was recognized as the hardest working team member.  Mike Companion was ridiculed as the team member who cost the Owner the most money.  A $25,000 fine from NASCAR for bringing an illegal part that wasn’t used was levied because of Mike!  Derek Thorn won the award and money to help him buy drinks for women.  Derek was voted as the most “desperate for a date” amongst the many single desperado’s on SWR.  Because of Derek’s penchant for older women, the bonus incentive kicked in: $5 per year, for every year that the woman was, older than Derek.  By Chris Janosko’s quick calculations, young baby faced Derek should be a millionaire after chasing the grandmotherly types he’s been actively chatting with.  In retrospect the Team bonus should have been awarded to Evan Miller for his dancing date in Watkins Glen.  The bonus should have been calculated on a per pound basis, for the weight differential between the ‘date’ and Evan’s light 150 lbs.  Evan was trying to recoup college tuition.

David and Brian both thank the Team for their work, support and enthusiasm.  Much appreciation to Evan Miller, Taylor Good, Kyle Matthews, Tim Crawford, Jerel Reeves, Kevin Myrick, Jeff Hensley, James Carpenter, Bill Thomas, Derek Thorn, Bob May, Tommy Hurst, Chad Burns, Mike Companion, Chris Janosko, Christine Janosko, Dan Joiner, Dane Nissen, Josh Tolbert, Paul Dorrity and Bob Bennett.

All the best,

1*6477*8*22222

Speed Wong Racing commenced its 2009 NASCAR season with driver Brian Wong back able to drive again.  Brian was recovering from a bout with university-itis and a broken leg, both of which have prevented him from racing in the NASCAR East/West series. 

On Brian’s schedule are several road races, the first of which was at the very famous Watkins Glen race track in upstate New York.  Transport drivers Paul Dorrity and Bob Bennett made the 6000 mile round trip taking two of Speed Wong Racing #89 road course cars.

Just a month before Brian’s spotter Chris Janosko had procured two of Ganassi Racing’s road course cars.  Junior Joiner’s race shop put the cars together for this race.  Also racing at this NASCAR East Series race was Brian’s friend, factory Porsche driver Patrick Long.

Brian had never been at this track before, had never been in this car before, and hasn’t been in a NASCAR race car since January.  Thanks to Patrick helping him learn the course quickly, Brian was 7th fastest during practice.  Qualifying came quickly after and found Brian starting in the 14 position. 

The 51 lap race was plagued with so many full course cautions, that Brian was never able to fully push the car under continuous green flag laps.  Towards the end of the race, amidst many yellow flag laps, Brian was looking to improve his 7th position and overtake at least 2 other cars.  But an engine stumble caused by the slow caution laps loading up the spark plugs, cost Brian 3 positions, finishing in 9h place. 

A disappointing race and a good start.  Brian immediately was comfortable in the car, shrugging off the broken leg and destruction of a car in January.  Learning the track and having fun.  The caution laps, 26 of the 51 laps, held him back from fully exploiting the car.  But the car came back in good condition, ready for Infineon on June 20th. 

The fun side of Speed Wong Racing found the team exploring upstate New York.  A very pretty, lushly wooded and scenic area.  Rural and comfortable.  The team had its dinners at local restaurants were both the locals were dumbfounded by us and we were surprised by them.

Brian’s sister Jennifer made the trip from Washington, D.C. with some of her friends which added to the youthful atmosphere.  Spotter Chris Janosko came out early with his wife Kathy and athlete daughter Alyse to tour the Big Apple before working at the track.

Brian thanks the crew for taking the extra days to work on his car.  Jerel Reeves, Bill Thomas, Chris Janosko, Billy Thomas, Dan Joiner, Tim Crawford, Derrick Thorn, Kevin Myrick, Robert May, and Jeff Hensley.  Logistics were difficult, finding SWR flying into Rochester, Syracuse and Elmira airports in order to help Brian.

The weekend was not without injuries though.  Alyse is a softball player in her home state of Arizona.  The team challenged by her athleticism found themselves at Dick’s Sporting goods.  One hour later there was a wiffle ball game on a make shift diamond in a field behind the Holiday Inn.  Bats, balls, Big League Chew and even black eye paint, the team was anxious to play.  The telephone pole was first base, Coors cartoon was second base, and a puddle of Coors empties was third.  Both teams suffered injuries, Jerel showing signs of his advanced age stumbled out of the box legging out a futile hit, drawing blood up and down his leg.  Bob May, forgetting that high school was 30 years ago, broke two toes leaping over the logs at first base!  Pretty funny times even at the cost of some blood. 

All in all a good weekend, fun time for the team. Valuable seat time and driving a famous track for Brian.

All the best,

The first race of the 2009 NASCAR West Series season for Speed Wong Racing was at Phoenix International Raceway.  It was only the third race of the West season for the series.  SWR came well prepared for this race, as it was also Cup and Nationwide Weekend. 

For 2009 SWR has enlisted the help of West Coast race shop, Joiner Motorsports.  After a disappointing learning experience in 2008, SWR sought out one of the best and most talented shops to be able to compete with the best prepared equipment.  Junior Joiner, a young man who brings his fame and expertise as a shock absorber expert to several trucks in the NASCAR Truck Series (including Kyle Busch and West Coast product Matt Crafton) prepared two cars for the Phoenix race.

Speed Wong Racing expanded its inventory by purchasing two new Toyota chassis in the off season.  Junior and his shop brought to the track, two of the nicest cars we’ve seen.  The Team took a new approach to 2009, by recruiting and retaining only the best guys who also possess character and respect for our program.  Junior’s shop worked closely with SWR Team Manager Tim Crawford’s shop (Santa Ana) to bring 25 talented crew to Phoenix. 

The drivers for this race were fitted for the race seats of the #45 and #89 car during the off season. Friends of the Team, Matt Crafton and David Gilliland, were happy to be reunited with Junior Joiner to drive a product of his shop.

Both cars were the fastest of the field during the first practice.  Then Mr. Goodyear failed us.  Matt Crafton’s #45 crashed during practice, after landing on the leader boards top 5.  The cause was a blow out on the right front tire.  Matt was not seriously hurt, the car was a total loss, crushing the entire frame and body.  The cause of the blow out was not determined.  But the crash crushed the spirit of the Team.  That was a beautiful, fast car.  A loss for Speed Wong’s crew and for Matt’s hope of winning the race.  The car was more than capable.

The burden of winning fell to one car, the #89 borrowed from Brian Wong, David Gilliland driving for this race.  David drove the twin to Matt’s #45 to a record setting pole position, to be knocked off the top by the last qualifier, Greg Pursly.  Junior Joiner had prepared and set up Pursely’s car, also. 

By race time, the #89 had the Team optimistic again.  Best car, best driver, best team and help from the #45 crew combined to have 25 guys rooting David on.  On the race start, David took the lead by turn 2, and led the race continuing to pull away for the first 3 laps.

The racing fortunes changed as Mr. Goodyear decided that the front right tire on the #89 should blow out also, on lap 4, pushing David violently into the same wall as Matt hit in the #45.  Race lead gone, race car gone, fortunately David not seriously hurt and able to compete in Saturday’s Cup race.  Two cars, two identical right front blow outs and two injured well known drivers. 

Needless to say, Speed Wong Racing’s team members were not happy, very disillusioned and looking for answers.  Answers from Mr. Goodyear never came.  If Tony Stewart cannot get an answer from Mr. Goodyear, Speed Wong Racing won’t.

The good news is the Team is gelling.  Joiner Motorsports delivered two fastest, out of the trailer fast, cars.  Our guest driver friends are believers in the program, and hopefully we put our competitors on notice that we’re here to compete.

We look forward to a better 2009 now that we’ve got our crashing out of the way. 

Thank you to our Team and our friends for their support and friendship as we race our way through the summer.

Be safe, healthy. 

The annual prestigious Toyota Showdown was held in January 2009 at Irwindale Speedway.  Speed Wong Racing fielded two race cars, the NASCAR West Series #45 of Craftsman Truck race driver Matt Crafton and the SuperLate #89 of Brian Wong.

It was a long, long, rainy weekend for the two Speed Wong teams.  Both entries and their crew waited from Thursday through early Sunday morning to squeeze in virtually no practice time and the two races.

Junior Joiner, Joiner Motorsports from Bakersfield, California, was the crew chief for NASCAR veteran Matt Crafton. Throughout the 3 day rain delay, Junior and his crew constantly rethought how best to engineer Matt’s car, given it was brand new and had no practice time on it.  For this race, Speed Wong Racing experimented with 2 new Toyota cars for this West race.

The 250 lap race showcased why Matt Crafton is a top 5 Craftsman Truck driver. He deftly missed several crashing, overzealous drivers, and brought the Speed Wong Racing Toyota home to a 5th place finish.  Our congratulations to Matt and Junior, and their crew for their performance.

In the SuperLate race, which started at 11:45pm on Saturday night, ending at 12:15am on Sunday morning, Speed Wong’s driver, Brian Wong was crashed by a competitor.   The Jeff Schrader Race Car Factory built and prepared #89 car ran well until the crash sent Brian Wong backwards into the turn 2 wall, pinning the driver’s side against the wall.  The evening’s racing was over for Brian, as he was sent to the hospital with a broken leg, ribs, injured shoulder, arm.  Brian continues his rehabilitation in Boston, at Northeastern University, attending sophomore classes.  He looks forward to a complete recovery and racing the Speed Wong Porsche and in selected NASCAR West/East races.

Thank you to all who started off the 2009 Season with us.  Congratulations to Matt Crafton for his 5th place finish and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Brian Wong.

*Credits: photographs provided by Curtis Cook through MarquePhoto.com

The period of time, from the end of our last NASCAR and IMSA race in mid October, through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, gives us time to reflect not only on the long racing season, but also on the people who made this season special. 

People talk about a particular race, a crash, a chance that could have been, a funny story, an angry time, bitterness or something just dumb.  Every story has a person or people behind it to make it interesting, humorous and special.

Be it Jason Fensler crashing not one, but two rental vans in Phoenix and Iowa (hitting a deer, no less), Paul Dorrity wearing his Halloween eyeballs and fangs, while acting as the catch can gas man in Utah, Mark Linn winning the Texas belt buckle for Best Crewman, Brian Wong’s brother Kevin being mistaken for his driver brother, at a Driver Meeting, while Kevin was chugging Vodka/Red Bulls in Montreal.  Wins by Fensler and Brian, Auggie and Partridge.  Karen Lewis being the team Mom, directing at times 6 drivers in 3 series, in one afternoon, to driver meetings, practices and being our own traffic controller.  Our team making new friends and a few enemies, a team of men and women, from Legends to Porsches, to Late Models, Superlates, the West cars, evena a couple of dragsters, from the west coast, to the east, to Canada.  Oval, road course and a few straight lines.  From men who came in mid season, Brian Schaefer, Bob May.  Kids who came in while still in high school, Stephen Appell, Billy Thomas.  Men who acted like a kid, Angelo Quirello.  Friends who invited friends, wives, girlfriends, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers.  Strangers who’ve noticed us.  Competitors who want to forge a relationship with us.  Good people, some bad.  All of our Team have committed to our memories, great stories and a fun year. 

2008 was another year of full time racing for Speed Wong Racing.  No one has kept exact score, but we ran approximately 40 weekends in 2008, spread across all of our series, we fielded almost 80 cars.  That’s a lot of racing.  That took a lot of people.

Jason Fensler led his West team back to where the season started, Roseville, California’s All American Speedway, for the final race of the 2008 season.

Jason Patison finished his ‘rookie’ NASCAR West season with an overall 10th place finish and runner up in Rookie of the Year honors. This race saw Jason qualify a disappointing 19th, but moved to finish a strong 13th in the season finale. The race was also the follow up race to team manager, Jason Fensler’s victory in the preceding West race at Altamont a month earlier. Fensler was scheduled to race the Jennifer Wong owned #86 car for this race, but a freak racing accident 2 weeks ago, left Jason’s hand mangled and hurting after surgery. Speed Wong Racing wanted to serve notice that Jason’s win was to be followed up by an equally strong showing by both the #86 and #17 cars. With the season now over, the season’s results were good by most standards, but disappointing for Speed Wong Racing.

Jason Patison raced hard every race, finishing 10th in the series of over 25 regular race teams, and runner up to Rookie of the Year, Jeff Barkshire. We congratulate Jeff for a well deserved, very strong rookie showing and his Rookie of the Year honors. Jason is moving on to race on his own, forming his own team for 2009, and tentatively scheduled race the NASCAR East series. We wish Jason the very best in his racing future. On the personal side, Jason and Tia welcomed their newborn Kayden to their family in July.

Secondary driver Brian Wong raced only 4 times in the #89 West car, balancing his time off from college, with the IMSA GT Challenge series. The two road course races at Infineon and Salt Lake City were very strong showings for Brian, only be ended right before the finish by being crashed by competitors. The two oval races were both at Irwindale Speedway and mechanical problems did the car in, again both times.

The highlight of the season was Race #12 at Altamont with team manager Jason Fensler jumping off the pit box and getting into the #86 car. The win was not a surprise to anyone in the West series and confirmed that Speed Wong Racing’s cars can win on any given race day. Jason Fensler’s win solidified the Team and gave a needed renewed strong end of the season finish. Congratulations again to Jason.

Speed Wong Racing would like to thank its entire team for each individual’s support, efforts, and friendship. It was a long season, with many ups and downs, but in the end we became much closer, had a lot of fun together and gained invaluable experience. Thank you very much to all, including our friends and fans. As the season has now ended, the team is preparing to look forward to an end of the season celebration party, the holiday season with friends and family, coming up and rebuilding our cars for duty in 2009.

The most important people in our West program:

Jason Fensler Team Manager
Robert Strminska Crew Chief
Mark Linn Mechanic/Tire Changer
Angelo Quirello Pit Crew
Rick Regelmann Tire Specialist
Josh Tolbert Pit crew
Brian Schaffer Car Chief
Jerel Reeves Fabicator
Jim Brown Car chief
Paul Dorrity Transport Driver
Tim Crawford Team Manager
Bill Thomas Engine Specialist
Billy Thomas Tire Specialist
Kevin Myrick Crew
James Carpenter Crew
Jeff Hensley Crew
Stephen Appell Crew
Bob Bennett Transport Driver
Daryl Collins Legends Manager
Devin Hugie Car chief
Steve Fensler Director Race Operations
Jodie Fensler Tough gal!
Kelly Fensler Cheerleader
Matt Hart Driver
Andrew Anderson Driver
Jason Patison Driver
Brian Wong Driver

From the Speed Wong family, a very heartfelt and sincere “thank you” for those who have been the heart and soul of our team this season, to those of you who have been our friends and supporters, and to our families who have allowed us to play in the NASCAR West series. A very safe and restful short off season. With God’s Blessings we’ll see you again in a few quick months.

Next scheduled races are the Toyota Showdown at Irwindale Speedway in January 2009.

 

 

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Season long team manager and veteran race driver, Jason Fensler, jumped into the seat of the new entry #86 for the first time ever, and raced the Speed Wong Racing West car to a first place finish.  With this win, the Team has confirmed the rumors heard all year, that the Team does produce winning cars by it’s hand picked team of great friends and crew.  It’s no coincidence that Jason Fensler put together the team members and drove the one time only entry into Winner’s Circle. 

Good news came to the Team twice that evening.  The season long entry of emerging driver Jason Patison in the #17, raced his most competitive race all season with a misleading 7th place finish.  Patison moved up from a starting position of 14th place, to trail teammate Fensler in 4th place, before the competition moved him (unvoluntarily) to finish a very strong 7th.  Patison’s excellent showing was validation to the Team’s ability to perform well in Speed Wong’s inaugural West season.

Two cars, a first and seventh.  A long time coming, but worth it!

Jason Fensler brought a lot of pride to the Fensler Family and the Speed Wong Racing Team with his expected and unexpected win at Altamont Speedway on September 13, 2008.

Thank you very much, Jason, our team manager, our friend and now, our winning driver of the #86 car.  Great job driving.  Great team members supporting you.

Jason Fensler’s role with the team goes back several years.  His family’s relationship goes back to the infancy of the Team.  When teammate and driver Brian Wong was a brand new scared 14 year old driver, National Champion driver Stephen Fensler, Jr. befriended the novice driver, planting the seeds for a long time friendship between the entire Fensler family and the Wong’s. The Fensler family’s roots in racing go back to an earlier generation with Steve, Sr. bringing his young children to the track to root their father on in his early racing career.  Jason grew up and excelled very early in racing.  When the West Team found itself unexpectedly without a crew chief at the beginning of the season, Jason stepped up and committed his time, expertise, resources, as a favor to the Team, for 2008.  We’re fortunate to have Jason leading the Team.

SWR now has proven to have two “Jason’ weapons in it’s multiple driver arsenal- Fensler and Patison!

Of special significance to SWR were the congratulations from competitors, who showed their class, dignity and respect for both themselves and Speed Wong Racing.  Thank you to last year’s West Champion, Mike David, this year’s best crew chief and most respected racer, Bill Sedgwick, drivers of the 2nd and 3rd place cars David Mayhew, Jeff Barkshire and many many other drivers, crew members and team owners who have graciously and appreciatively expressed their congratulations.  It’s having friendship people like these that we sometimes forget during the heat of competition.

Of special significance to NASCAR and our team was the debut of new NASCAR Car Owner, Jennifer Wong.  The #86 is owned by Jennifer and she and Jason Fensler schemed several months ago to debut both her new car and Jason as her driver at this race.  A double win!  Jennifer has become the only Asian-American owner and woman to win a NASCAR race, ever.  Jennifer regrets not being able to attend the race, she works and lives in Washington, D.C.  She is the sister of Team Driver, Brian Wong.

Team Notes:  Long time NASCAR Vice President of West Coast Operations, Ken Clapp, visited with SWR during the day.  Mr. Clapp picked Jason Fensler as his Dark Horse pick to win!  We’re thrilled by Mr. Clapp’s ability to bet on the right horses!  Team members of note were James Carpenter and Jeff Hensley from the Southern California shop and big Jim Brown and super dry wit Jerel Reeves. 

The hot August night of August 16th brought out both Speed Wong Racing entries again for it’s second effort to perform well at the driver’s home track.

Trying to avenge the gremlins that plagued Brian Wong’s #89 and the set up / driver coordination for Jason Patison, from the July 4th race, the Speed Wong Racing team worked hard to field the best possible race car for both drivers.

The results were good for the #17 as Jason Patison raced his best effort of the season, for his and the Team’s best finish for the 11th race of the season.  Jason brought home a 3rd place finish.  The entire Speed Wong Racing Team congratulates Jason for his performance and for bringing a new level of success for the first year team.

Brian Wong wasn’t as fortunate, as his car ran well, but was hit several times during the early part of the race, and the #89 experienced overheating problems due to crash damage to his radiator.  Although very disappointed, Brian rejoiced in Jason’s 3rd place finish. 

Jason’s car success was appreciated and thanks go to his crew chiefs Jim Brown and Brian Schaeffer, and his tire specialist, Rick Regelman.  All men worked hard together to bring the set up for the #17.

This race saw the Team visited by it’s special guest Congressman Adam Schiff, with his family.  Wife Eve, daughter Alexa and racing fan son, Elijah.  Having a U.S. Congressman root for the Team was pulling out all stops for federal support!

Team notes: Team Photographer Evan Miller was seriously injured during practice and missed the race while being stitched up at a nearby hospital.  Crew Chief Roger Bracken worked this race for SWR friend and driver for past 2 seasons, Chris Johnson’s team.  Chris and Roger became SWR competitors for this race and finished 7th.  SWR congratulates Chris and Roger for their performance.  Team members that performed great in the heat and hard work of the day, Billy Thomas (tire specialist) and Jeff Hensley (jackman & mechanic).

 

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The hot August night of August 16th brought out both Speed Wong Racing entries again for it’s second effort to perform well at the driver’s home track.

Trying to avenge the gremlins that plagued Brian Wong’s #89 and the set up / driver coordination for Jason Patison, from the July 4th race, the Speed Wong Racing team worked hard to field the best possible race car for both drivers.

The results were good for the #17 as Jason Patison raced his best effort of the season, for his and the Team’s best finish for the 11th race of the season.  Jason brought home a 3rd place finish.  The entire Speed Wong Racing Team congratulates Jason for his performance and for bringing a new level of success for the first year team.

Brian Wong wasn’t as fortunate, as his car ran well, but was hit several times during the early part of the race, and the #89 experienced overheating problems due to crash damage to his radiator.  Although very disappointed, Brian rejoiced in Jason’s 3rd place finish. 

Jason’s car success was appreciated and thanks go to his crew chiefs Jim Brown and Brian Schaeffer, and his tire specialist, Rick Regelman.  All men worked hard together to bring the set up for the #17.

This race saw the Team visited by it’s special guest Congressman Adam Schiff, with his family.  Wife Eve, daughter Alexa and racing fan son, Elijah.  Having a U.S. Congressman root for the Team was pulling out all stops for federal support!

Team notes: Team Photographer Evan Miller was seriously injured during practice and missed the race while being stitched up at a nearby hospital.  Crew Chief Roger Bracken worked this race for SWR friend and driver for past 2 seasons, Chris Johnson’s team.  Chris and Roger became SWR competitors for this race and finished 7th.  SWR congratulates Chris and Roger for their performance.  Team members that performed great in the heat and hard work of the day, Billy Thomas (tire specialist) and Jeff Hensley (jackman & mechanic).

 

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Speed Wong Racing, LLC fielded two excellently prepared road course cars for the 3 mile track at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, for the race on the afternoon of Saturday, August 2nd. 

A constant and familiar theme this season has been, Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve, as the team has excellent equipment, fast drivers and just plain bad racing luck.  Jason Patison is in the midst of finishing his rookie season in the Lucas Oil #17 Chevrolet, driving extremely well and just having bad luck, compounded by competitors taking advantage of his rear bumper and fenders.  Brian Wong, driving the Dryer’s Grand Ice Cream #89 car, drove his 2nd race of the season on a road course, quickly acclimating himself to the large, heavy NASCAR, instead of the Porsche GT3 Cup car he normally excels at.

The crowd in Salt Lake City was one of the most supportive of the season. The track was easily one of the nicest, a world class facility, on any circuit.  The field was strong, almost 30 cars entered, including the regulars and some new, first timers. 

Both Jason and Brian raced hard, in 90 degree heat, in a crowded field.  Brian, despite being crashed, spun out on 3 occasions, came back strong each time to be in 4th place with one lap to go.  Jason, was spun out with several laps left, after being in the top ten for the majority of the race. 

The race ended on a very bad note, with both Speed Wong cars, the #17, #89 in top 10 spots, being spun out by what has become typically overaggressive, poorly managed racers, bent of driving through the competition, instead of out racing them.   Normally a 12th and 14th place finish would be an okay showing, but in this race, with both cars running very fast, being crashed on the last laps of the race is extremely disappointing. 

It was another race with the usual suspects causing the majority of the damages to our cars and other competitors, with lax enforcement by race officials.  Speed Wong Racing’s mandate by its owner is to race clean, out drive our competitors and bring home our cars in one piece.  The entire season has been one of frustration.  We Should Have finished much better than the results show.  We Would Have finished in 5th and 8th places, except for the crashes caused by other cars.  We Could Have had our first top ten finishes for both cars. 

But this is racing and what we signed up for.  Despite the frustration, we feel we did an outstanding job, both in Jason Fensler’s crew preparing 2 specialty cars for the road course and in Brian Wong and Jason Patison, in racing hard and keeping their cars in the top ten, while not being the cause of any accidents.

Speed Wong Racing-West looks forward to the next race at Irwindale Speedway on August 16th.  It will be Brian’s last NASCAR race before heading back to Northeastern University for his sophomore year.  For Jason Patison, it will be another chance to show the West that he has the talent, and will persevere through this difficult bad luck season.

Jason Patison, Brian Wong and our sponsors, give special thanks and appreciate the help of our crew. 

Jason Fensler	Team Manager, Director of Competition
Roger Bracken	Crew Chief #89
Jim Brown	Crew Chief #17
Chris Janosko	Spotter #89
Angelo Quirello	Motor Mouth
Jerel Reeves	Fabricator
Paul Dorrity	Transport Driver
Tim Crawford	Team Manager # 89
Bill Thomas	Motor Specialist
Billy Thomas	Tire Specialist
James Carpenter	Crew-2nd Spotter
Bob Bennett	Transport Driver
Evan Miller	Photographer
Josh Tolbert	Pit Crew: Boy Toy
Rick Regelman	Tire Specialist
Mark Linn	Tire Changer Pit Crew
Jeff Hensley	Pit Crew Jack Man
Harry Tully	Photographer

The Speed Wong Racing team traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for it’s second road course race of the 2008 season.  The course at Miller Motorsports Park is new and one of the nicest in the country for road course events. 

The August 2nd  race brought out both of the Speed Wong entries, the #17 by season long primary driver Jason Patison and the #89 of Brian Wong.  Both drivers enjoy road racing having had experience in Speed Wong’s other series featuring the factory built Porsche GT3 Cup cars.  The team was excited because of the luxury of having time to fully set up these 2 cars for this race and wanted to see the fruits of their labor.

Jason and Brian did not disappoint as both drivers skillfully piloted their cars through the 3.06 mile road course for 125 laps.  It was the wild West again, as what has become common this year, in the NASCAR West Series, as Jason was in 7th place when he was hit from behind on lap 41.  Jason ended up in 10th place at the end of the race.  Brian fared better and worse, by being in 6th place with one lap remaining and again, being hit from behind and spun out for  a 14th  place finish.

Unfortunately, as at Infineon Raceway in June, the Team was disappointed, but the drivers have proven their mettle by driving well before succumbing to the excitement of NASCAR and being crashed by competitors.

The team acknowledges its sponsors for this race Jim Beam, Lucas Oil, Dreyers, and Northeastern University.  Special thanks to Paul Dorrity and Bob Bennett, transport drivers, for their long summer of tiresome, thankless traversing the country supporting Jason Patison, Brian Wong and the Speed Wong Race team.

 

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The Speed Wong Racing, LLC team traveled to Monroe, Washington for race #9 on the Camping World West Series schedule.

The team fielded the Lucas Oil #17 West car with Jason Patison trying to shake the cloud that has tracked the car most of the season.  Perhaps the rain storm that sprinkled the track was a forbearer of what was to come.  The race and track is unique.  Located on the county fairgrounds, the old 5/8 mile track has a grass infield and a flat race surface.  The race car haulers weren’t allowed to park in the infield; thus the team had to unload and move the trucks/trailers back out of the track to an outside parking area.  It truly was camping, with the team spread out on the grass infield with an EZ Up canopy for shade.  A great marketing opportunity for the series sponsor, Camping World!

The #17 car, due to the rain, had limited practice, Jason did not have adequate time to learn the track.  Patison qualified 14th in the field.  Due to the multiple races recently and the long haul to Washington state, only 17 West cars made the trip north.

The track was celebrating 50 years of racing and held races that night, totaling 500 laps.  The team arrived at 6:30a that morning to prepare for the 150 lap race. The West series was scheduled to start at 8:30p.  However, there were 3 other series racing cars before us, one at 50 laps, the second at 150 laps, and the third immediately preceding us at 150 laps.  Ours would be the final 150 of the 500 lap evening.  Due to delays, crashes, the West race did not start until 10:30p. 

The very long day was made longer by that cloud that warned us earlier in the day.  Patison’s car developed a flat tire early in the race.  He pitted unexpectedly, lost 4 laps diagnosing and changing the tire.  Back on the track, the car woke up and Jason raced it hard to a 12th place finish.  Pit Crew Member, Angelo Quirelo noted that if the tire hadn’t gone flat, Jason would have finished in 4th position. 

Jason Patison, the entire Speed Wong Racing team, all are looking forward to a sunny, cloudless day at the next race.  The road course race at Miller Motorsports Park will be on August 2nd.  Jason will team with Brian Wong, as SWR fields both the #17 and #89 cars.  Cheer us on, no rain dances please.

Jason Patison and the Speed Wong Racing team can’t seem to shake the cloud they’ve had over their heads.  The last four races have seen top-5 finishes turn into dnf’s and last week at Roseburg Oregon was no exception.  Patison and team rolled into the 3/8 mile track with a new car chief, Roger Bracken, and high hopes of getting their season turned around. 

After making the most of both practice sessions, improving the car each time out, Patison qualified his Fat Headz Sunglasses sponsored #17 machine in the eighth position.  When the green-flag dropped for the start of the 150 lap race, Patison quickly got in a grove and began trying to work the lead pack for positions.  By lap 100 Patison was up to 5th place and was saving his equipment for a hard charge at the end.  He began to make a pass on the 4th place car of Johny Borneman when his right front tire went down, causing the car to leap to the right and slow dramatically.  Patison limped around the track showering sparks, but no caution flag was thrown, forcing the team to make a green flag stop.  Patison reentered the track 7 laps down but found that his racecar was still fast.  Patison ran down race leader Eric Holmes and completed a pass to earn back one of his laps but it was much too little, too late.  Patison finished the race 6 laps down in the 13th position.

“I can’t believe the year we are having, it’s just one thing after another.  This is the best racecar we have had all year but we just can’t get any luck.  I want to thank all my sponsors and my crew for working so hard and not giving up, sooner or later this SWR team will get the results we deserve.”

Special thanks goes out to all of Patison’s crew members and Sponsors.

Jason and Tia Patison, welcomed their daughter Kayden into the world on July 3rd Jason raced the very next day at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in the Camping World West Series.  After posting the 6th quickest time of the final practice session, Patison’s SWR entry had an engine miss during qualifying, relegating him to a 13th place starting position out of the 32 car field.   Patison switched ignitions prior to the green flag and steadily worked his way up to 6th place but unfortunately his car became very loose, causing him to fall back to 8th position by the time the “Full Stop Pit “ came on lap 100.  When the race resumed Patison found himself in a side-by-side battle with veteran driver Austin Cameron, after several side-by-side laps Cameron over drove his #18 car trying to make a pass and ran right into the left front of Patison causing suspension damage.  

With an ill-handling car Patison fell all the way back to 17th and ran there for several laps before finding a line that accommodated his number 17 ride.  Over the remainder of the race he made up ground quickly, working his way through the field.  On lap 182 Patison was in 6th and was closing in fast on the top 5 cars when the #16 of Moses Smith ran straight into the back of Patison after a restart. 

“I can’t believe the year that we are having, we have great support from our sponsors, my SWR team is working extremely hard, but we’re not getting the finishes we deserve.   

On a happier note, Both Tia and Kayden are now home and doing very well.   Kayden Marie Patison was born July 3rd, 2008 at 4:08pm and weighed 7lbs 2oz.

Brian Wong had his own problems at this race.  His first oval race in the West Series.  Using a car that was recently purchased, the car had electrical problems that prevented Brian from practicing, qualifying for the race.  He ‘started’ the race at the back, but again experienced motor problems that led to his early departure from the race.  A very dejected Brian found himself looking forward to his next West race, at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City.  Crew Chief and Team Manager, Jason Fensler vowed to put Brian on the track in the best car possible, for Brian’s remaining two West races.

The NASCAR West race # 6 at Infineon Raceway was held on Saturday, June 21, 2008. This weekend was hot for the first road race course in the series.

Speed Wong Racing fielded two cars, the season long entry of Jason Patison’s #!7 and the first race ever in the West #89 by Brian Wong. The race brought together both of our teams, the Northern and Southern California race shops. Together the entire SWR team did a great job supporting Jason and Brian’s cars, from practice the week before, through qualifying and the race.

Jason Patison driver of the #17 NASCAR Camping World Series West car, did not have the weekend they were hoping for at Infineon Raceway. During the group qualifying session on Friday, Patison’s laps were hindered by cars blowing up and spinning out, including a spin out of his own, relegating him to start 30th out of the 42 starters.

Starting way back in the pack Patison slowly but surely worked his way toward the front of the field, making his way up to 2nd at one point of the race. Halfway through the event Patison was running in high gear through the high-speed turn 10 when his motor blew ending the day for the Speed Wong Racing entry. Finishing in 39th place really hurt Patison in his overall points standings as well as the rookie of the year battle but there are still plenty of races left to rebound.

Patison is looking forward to his next race on 4th of July at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA. In 2007 he made his series debut at Toyota Speedway, finishing an impressive 4th place. Patison and team hope to improve on that finish and gain some momentum heading into the second half of the season.

Aside from the race at Irwindale, Patison has an even more exciting event coming up. He and his wife Tia are expecting the arrival of their first child the weekend before!

Brian had never been in the West car before this race. Coming fresh off of his Porsche race in Montreal, Brian flew directly to San Francisco and practiced the West car with the help of renowned road racing specialist Boris Said. Boris’ help was arranged through Lucas Oil, SWR’s sponsor who also helps Boris in his race efforts.

A week after practice, Brian found himself practicing with the 45 cars trying to prepare to qualify for 42 starting spots, including his teammate, Jason. Brian got loose, crashed his car, the only damaged car of the practice session. The damage was bad enough to send him in an ambulance to the track medical facility before being cleared to qualify for the race. The entire team jumped on his car, got the damage under control and Brian qualified to a conservative 24th position. Brian was thankfully impressed with the team’s hard and fast work in getting the car in race condition.

The race was a crash filled, exciting and long endurance test for the cars and the driver. The heat was tremendous with both of our drivers complaining of the heat in the race car cockpit. With over 100 laps under race and caution on the 2 mile course, Brian was in 9th place with 10 laps to go. The #77 car crashed Brian’s car and spun the #89 out with 10 laps left, causing Brian to finish in 16th place. Regardless of the disappointing 16th place, it was still a highly respectable finish for the first time racer.

The other highlight of the weekend was the Speed Wong Racing team’s performance. Bringing both teams together, over 20 hard working professionals, being supportive of both their drivers, was an accomplishment. Jason and Brian give their heartfelt thanks to team managers, Jason Fensler and Tim Crawford. Team members, through fun, hard work and great friendships, Ross Strmiska, Jim Brown, Jerel Reeves, Angelo Quirello, Josh Tolbert, Rick Regelman, and Mark Linn and crew chief #17 Robert Strmiska , Bryce Coleman, Billy Thomas, Bill Thomas, James Carpender, Jeff Hensley, Rodney Funston, and crew chief #89 Mike Roos.

Everyone loves and gives their special thanks to Steve and Barbara Fensler, their daughters Jody and Kelly, for their hard work in cooking, feeding and quenching 30 people’s thirst during the hot, humid weekend. Thank you Fensler Family, we appreciate all of your work and your friendship.

Special thanks goes out to all of Patison’s crew members and Sponsors; Lucas Oil Products, SuperClean, Dixie Chopper, Jasper Engines, E3 Spark Plugs, Jim Beam, K&N Filters, Idiaz Label, and Fatheadz Sun Glasses for all of their support.

To check out more about Jason Patison, his crew, and what the rest of their season looks like check out www.jasonpatison.com, www.lucasoil.com, or www.speedwongracing.com.   All races are aired live on HD Net, and tape delayed on SPEED, so check your local listing for dates and times.

Coming off of a top-5 finish in the Camping World West Series at Iowa Speedway, Jason Patison and his Speed Wong Racing Team were looking for another strong run as they traveled to Colorado on June 7th. After struggling in practice, posting just the 14th quickest time out of the 22 entrants, Patison’s team went to work making changes on the car before qualifying and those changes paid dividends. The E3 Sparkplugs/ Lucas Oil machine circled Colorado National Speedway in 16.81 seconds, good enough to start 6th for the Toyota/Napa 150.

When the green flag dropped Patison’s number 17 ride was very loose and unable to maintain up in the second groove and lost a few spots before finding an opening at the bottom and falling in line. Over the next 145 laps Patison’s car stayed loose but worked to his advantage, he was able to pass competitors on the bottom of the race track as their cars tightened up and washed high. On lap 148 Patison was racing side by side with 5th place Daryl Harr when the number 16 of Moses Smith drove into the back of Patison down the front straight away, sending the number 17 spinning into the infield. With only 2 laps remaining the race stayed green so Patison got his car turned around and back on track but lost a lap and several positions. When it was all said and done the SWR team finished in the 11th position, a very disappointing finish to a promising race.

“This would have been another great points day and would have put us back in a tie for the rookie of the year lead. I am very proud of the team for working as hard as they did and not giving up after we struggled in practice. It would have been great to bring the car home in the top-5 for E3 Sparkplugs and Lucas Oil but we’ll just have to work harder and come back even stronger next time”, said Patison after the event.

The team’s next event will be the Camping World West Series race at Infineon Raceway on June 21st.

Special thanks goes out to all of Patison’s crew members and Sponsors; Lucas Oil Products, SuperClean, Dixie Chopper, Jasper Engines, E3 Spark Plugs, Jim Beam, K&N Filters, Idiaz Label, and Fatheadz Sun Glasses for all of their support.

To check out more about Jason Patison, his crew, and what the rest of their season looks like check out www.jasonpatison.com, www.lucasoil.com, or www.speedwongracing.com.   All races are aired live on HD Net, and tape delayed on SPEED, so check your local listing for dates and times.

Jason Patison, driver of the Speed Wong Racing #17 Ford Fusion, had an exciting weekend at Iowa Speedway, a 7/8 mile track built and owned by legendary NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace. Patison qualified 10th out of the NASCAR West drivers and 19th overall out of the 54 East and West entries, over a dozen of which were fielded by Sprint Cup teams. When it came time to go green Patison and his crew ran into some hard times, the car was extremely tight right out of the box and Patison quickly fell back to 40th. Patison hit pit row three times, to make adjustments and take on fuel to free the car up and on lap 150 the car started to come alive. Over the next 50 laps the #17 SuperClean ride charged forward making passes on the top and bottom. When the checker flag fell Patison had worked his way up to 17th.

“We started out rough but the team and I never gave up, they had some great pit stops, and after that last round of adjustments the number 17 SuperClean machine was really coming on strong. We’re getting better each race, I’m really proud of my team and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” said Patison after the race.

While Patison may have finished 17th overall, he finished fifth out of the West Series drivers, making it a great points day. Patison is now tied for 7th in the NASCAR Camping World West Series points standings and is only 1 point out of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year lead. The team’s next race is at Colorado National Speedway on June 7th.

Special thanks goes out to all of Patison’s crew members and Sponsors; Lucas Oil Products, SuperClean, Dixie Chopper, Jasper Engines, E3 Spark Plugs, Jim Beam, K&N Filters, Idiaz Label, and Fatheadz Sun Glasses for all of their support.

To check out more about Jason Patison, his crew, and what the rest of their season looks like check out www.jasonpatison.com, www.lucasoil.com, or www.speedwongracing.com.   All races are aired live on HD Net, and tape delayed on SPEED, so check your local listing for dates and times.

Jason Patison and the Speed Wong Race team rolled into Thunder Hill Raceway for the All State 150.  The Lucas Oil-Jim Beam #17 car raced hard for a 10th place finish at Thunderhill Speedway on Saturday night. Patison more than held his own in battling a loose car, veteran drivers, and the 3/8 mile track at the Kyle, Texas speedway.   It was Patison’s  first  visit to the 3/8 mile track but he quickly got up to speed, posting the 3rd fastest time in practice 1.  The number  17 machine was a little loose qualifying but still posted the 5th fastest lap out of the 23 car field.

When the green flag flew, Patison jumped out front with the lead pack putting several car lengths between the rest of the field.  Unfortunately, once the tires got hot the Lucas Oil/Jim Beam Ford got very loose in the corners.  Crew chief Robert Strmiska made the call to bring the car in and put several rounds in the track-bar to tighten the car up. After making the quick adjustment Patison was back on the track in 18th position with a much improved racecar but with nearly half of the race completed Patison had a lot of ground to make up. 

After going back out, Patison drove the car from 22nd to 8th place in the 10 remaining laps.  On the final restart Patison got hung out on the outside groove and gave up 2 positions, bringing the Speed Wong Racing entry home in 10th place. Although they had hoped for their first top five of the season, Patison and his crew were pleased with their comeback. 

This long trip to Kyle, Texas was heartening for the Team.  The Thunderhill race track is an older, very small and comfortable track 30 miles from Austin.  The new Speed Wong Racing West team, based in Modesto, CA is now gelling.  In its third West race, the Team is working well together, providing Jason Patison the much needed support, shown in the excellent qualifying and the quick decision, pit stop.  At the end of the race, Jason and his Team felt they could have finished higher than 10th, but were encouraged by the progress . Now sitting tied for 9th place in overall points and tied for first in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, Patison and Speed Wong Racing are headed to Iowa Speedway  on May 18th,  for a prestigious race.  Jason Patison is 10th in points.  

Special thanks goes out to all of Patison’s  Sponsors; Lucas Oil Products, SuperClean, Dixie Chopper, Jasper Engines, E3 Spark Plugs, Jim Beam, and Fatheadz Sun Glasses for all of their support.  As well as a Special Thanks from Jason Patison to his West Team: Jim Brown, Josh Tolbert, Jerel Reeves, Angelo Quirello, Rick Regelman, Mark Linn, Paul “the Law”Dorrity, Robert Strmiska, Jason Fensler.

To check out more about Jason Patison, his crew, and what the rest of their season looks like check out www.jasonpatison.com, www.lucasoil.com, or www.speedwongracing.com.   All races are aired live on HD Net, and tape delayed on SPEED, so check your local listing for dates and times.

Speed Wong Racing, fields the Super Clean-Lucas Oil #17 car, in race #2 in the 2008 NASCAR West Series at Phoenix International Raceway.

In only his second start in the NASCAR series, in front of Cup and Nationwide teams racing the next day at PIR, Jason Patison drove a hard fought race for 12th place. Jason battled a loose handling car all 150 laps and a field of 37 competitors, through 4 pit stops, a NASCAR penalty and a brush with the wall in turn 4, and still managed a very respectable 12th place finish. It wasn’t the first place that Jason is accustomed to winning, but he is still a rookie and this series is filled with professional teams and drivers.

In the NASCAR Camping World West Series overall points, Jason Patison is in 8th place, of an overall 39 competitors. An impressive top ten performance for the entire Team and for Jason.

This was Jason’s first race on a 1 mile track at 150 miles. By comparison, the Nationwide Race is only 50 miles longer at 200 laps, and the Cup race is 500 miles long. At PIR, Jason’s time leading up to the green flag, offered him a glimpse as to what to expect when he makes the next step in the NASCAR ladder. Since it was Cup Weekend, Jason received the full NASCAR treatment, from Tech Inspections by regular Cup Officials, to several driver meetings, crew chief and spotter meetings and ending with a driver introduction on stage in front of the PIR crowd.

During Jason’s introduction he was awarded the Most Improved Award by Featherlite, for his changes since his last race in 2007.

At 150 laps, race strategy played an important role in Jason’s 12th place finish. The pit stops were live, with Jason Fensler and Robert Strimska orchestrating great pit stops, with their seasoned and talented crew. Four pit stops were managed quickly, adding fuel, tires and pounding out the damaged right side from a brush with the wall in turn 4, late in the race.

In the end, Jason and the Team were positive and encouraged. After only the second race, Jason has run Roseville’s 1/3 mile track and Phoenix’ 1 mile super fast speedway, all while learning, gaining valuable experience and fighting hard to finish well.

Next week is Texas. Look for the Lucas Oil #17 at another hard fought short track, in Kyle, Texas at Thunderhill Raceway.