7/27/2011
Jared Goerges
Whats new with the #9
What’s new with the 9?
It was a forgettable start to the UMSS sprint car season for the Legend Racing 9. However, the team has found some things to make the car better. Driver Jared Goerges and the team have been running better in recent weeks.
In UMSS, competition, the top eight point-getters from the qualifying races are eligible have a chance to start on the front row of the feature depending on the luck of the draw. In each of the last three events, the team accomplished their goal during qualifiers by being in the top eight in points but by virtue of the pills drawn, started each of those features in 8th. On June 11, Jared’s home track, North Central Speedway in Brainerd, he had a top five finish in sight until a last lap snafu relegated him to a 7th place finish. The car was good though, and the team viewed it as a step in a positive direction. On the 25th of June, the UMSS cars had the opportunity to be on the bill with the World of Outlaws at the Princeton Speedway. It was a blast to be in the pits alongside the likes of Donny Schatz, Steve Kinser, and Joey Saldana. It was a great night of racing for both series. Thanks to UMSS director Ron Bernhagen for pulling that event together. It was also the best complete night of the 2011 season for the #9. Jared ran a close 2nd to Chris Graf in his heat. He raced up to 6th from his 8th place starting spot on a blistering fast, beautifully prepared race track. The car was great all night long. After a Friday rainout, the team pulled into the pits of Elko Speedway on July 16th for the second night of the Summer Dirt Nationals along with the IRA outlaws. Again, Jared ran 2nd in his heat and lined up 8th in the feature. The car was awesome in the heat race. The only change made for the feature was a small gear change. However, the track seemed to get heavier as the night went on. A mud clod stuck in the right rear wheel and the left front brake caliper was victim to some mud damage as well. Considering these factors, Jared did a great job of hanging on to a 9th place finish.
During some of the weeks off, the team has done some testing. We were really excited for the Kouba Memorial race at NCS. We even brought the car out to BIR during the powercruise to help promote the event and sprint car racing in general. But mother-nature won that one again. This weekend should be exciting, though. We look forward to getting back to the track in St. Croix Falls. Then we move on to one of the finest racing facilities in the upper Midwest as we complete a double dip at the Cedar Lake Speedway.
Also, the UMSS has just started a fantasy league on Sprintsource.com where you the fans can choose the UMSS drivers you think will do the best each night and compete against your friends…or your enemies. It looks like it will be a really fun deal. Check it out under links. Our advice; put your money on the 9! Hope to see you at the races!
Submitted By: Jared Goerges
