---

2019 Champion Michael Altobelli Aims To Be First Ever Two Time Renegade of Dirt Champion!

Renegades of Dirt PR
February 3rd, 2020
www.renegadesofdirt.com
For Immediate Release:

2019 Champion Michael Altobelli Aims To Be First Ever Two Time Renegade of Dirt Champion!

(Middlebourne, WV) Modified world...Michael Altobelli has arrived! There's no doubt Altobelli has become a household modified name as he heads into another season in 2020. That spotlight officially shined for the racer who will turn just thirty six in May during his first season with the Renegades of Dirt this past year. The Saxton, PA native swept a pair of Renegades of Dirt events in early April at the Hilltop Speedway in Millersburg, OH and claimed one of modified racings biggest events the 8th “Let It Ride 55” the following night at Tyler County Speedway to officially 'ARRIVE'!

Prior to the biggest weekend of his career Altobelli was certainly no slouch. He gained track championships at both Bedford and Hesston in the Super / Steel Block Late Model division with over 50 total wins in the full fender cars. He was tearing up the local raceways and on the regional Mid-Atlantic Mod circuit near his home town. However, the “next level” came from a connection with area business man Dan Harding which blossomed a team ready for the big leagues. In 2018, Altobelli, was on fire reeling off over twenty modified wins including a solid finish in his first Mega 100 appearance. The season lifted the confidence level to the point the team decided it time to travel in 2019 with the rebooted Renegades of Dirt Modified Tour.

The season began much to the success of 2018. The team and tour got its start at Fayetteville Speedway in North Carolina which the Saxton, PA team parlayed into an impressive top five run. Following that up Altobelli claimed the pair of wins previously mentioned to grab the early lead in the 2019 series standings, a spot he would no longer relinquish.

In just his first attempt at the Renegade Tour, Altobelli dominated with consistency. In a season of parity he went on to earn more OTP Industrial Solutions Victory Lanes than any other team with three and perhaps his most awe-inspiring came at Atomic Speedway in September for $5K to win. Midway through an attrition filled race Altobelli entered the infield with a flat tire. With the help of fellow tour competitors the Troutman team, Altobelli re-entered the race. Michael would not be denied his bid from the rear as he powered his way by Travis Dickson on a late race caution for then leader Eddie Carrier. The race all but sealed the deal on his first Renegade of Dirt Championship.

Hardships came along the way in 2019 as the Harding squad fought occasional mechanical gremlins both on and off the track. The teams travel 'toter' needed some TLC but thanks to Rick Singleton Rentals who allowed the team to borrow his the team was able to stay on its championship course. Altobelli's spotlight shined bright but behind the scenes a lot of work was put in by the crew. Gerald Markle Travis Chamberlain, Jimmy Leabhart, Chad Ayers, Dan Harding, Jack Burkett, Alfred Chamberlain and also Kimmy, Rachel, Aubrey and Jailynn all were part of making this team work so well. Decorating the side of the championship car were many great partners including; Dans Auto Body, MIke Altobelli Sr, Roy Harding, Rick Steele Surveying, HTMA Precise Racing, Joe C Hall Concrete, Turn5TurnAround, Base Race Fuels, Hollander Products, Optima Batteries, John Quinn at Penske Racing Shocks and Mullins Race Engines.

Harding, Altobelli and crew plan to once again set out for the national scene with the Renegades of Dirt Modified Tour in 2020. Altobelli aims to be the first driver to ever claim the prestigious title twice. Incredibly, in its now 9th season the Renegade tour has never witnessed a repeat champ among the who's who list including Bobby Kitchen (2012), Rick Aukland (2013), Kyle Strickler (2014), Derrick Ramey (2015), Jacob Hawkins (2016), No points champ awarded in 2017 & 18 and Michael Altobelli (2019). The teams tentative schedule can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HardingMS95. They kick off their year this week at Volusia during the UMP Gator Nationals.

Thus, the question is thrown out as the Renegades of Dirt embarks on its biggest season ever with nearly twenty nights of racing action and over a quarter million in purse up for grabs. Can Michael Altobelli make history as the first ever two time title-holder?

For more information regarding the Renegades of Dirt Modified Tour visit the Renegades of Dirt online at www.renegadesofdirt.com. You can also call Renegade Offices anytime for further information @ 304.771.5051. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rodconnect.

– End of Release –

Back to News