38 Miles of Memorial Day Racing
Young Chevrolet 100
Monday, May 28, 2007

Since the first event scheduled for the RMCS cars back on May 5th was rained out, a lot of drivers were itching to put a wheel to the 11 degree banking of RMR's Super Oval. Drivers in this class spoke of their anticipation to race here because of the smooth surface and the width of the track being great for passing.

The sun had barely risen at 6555 West 2100 South and Big Budah of Fox 13 was out talking to drivers of the USAC Sprint Cars, the Focus Midgets, and the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series cars. Big Budah's live segments are part of Fox 13's Good Day Utah morning program.

His first interview was with Audra Sasselli [Fresno, California]. She spoke about her role in children's lives as a school teacher and how important education is no matter your career path. She also spoke about the driver's being athletes and the physical toll on the body driving race cars.

J.R. Williams [Carson City, Nevada] could tell you stories of gas being pennies a gallon, the changes in rules and safety equipment over the years, and racing back in the 1950s. J.R. raced in the 1950s but took the helm of a Hawaiian Airlines plane for 40 years! He retired just four years ago and got back into racing. His enthusiasm has the energy of someone in their twenties but his driver's license plainly states his age at 72! His age is a dramatic contrast to Caitlin Shaw who is just 17-years old.

Big Budah then had the chance to tease and laugh with Caitlin Shaw [Albuquerque, New Mexico] who just finished her junior year at La Cueva High School. Can you imagine the reaction of her classmates when she writes her What I did on my summer vacation paper when school starts again this fall? With Caitlin's infectious smile and upbeat attitude, it is hard to believe she'll pass you on the inside every chance she gets! Big Budah tried to get her to admit she runs NOS on her personal car which is more traditional than you might think . . . a Honda Civic. She denied all charges and let him know her need for speed is right here on RMR's Super Oval. Caitlin's race schedule would tax even veteran drivers. Just two days before her 2nd Place finish in today's Midget Main, she scored a 5th Place finish at All American Speedway [Roseville, California]. She barely allowed tonight's excitement to sink in before the atlas was brought out with the state of Indiana dog-eared. Her next shot at victory lane is at Plymouth Speedway [Plymouth, Indiana]. That makes three races in three states in just five days and it doesn't lighten up from there. Good thing she's got a good pit crew and driver (a.k.a mom and dad). Caitlin is a very appreciative young driver who knows exactly where she at, how she got there, and where she's going.

The next Good Day Utah segment had an air about it being larger than life. Big Budah had a chance to talk with Dave Minegar [Boise, Idaho] about his 2006 RMCS Championship. Dave's championship was built on leading the pack with 9 Career Poles, 26 Career Top 10 Finishes, and even before today's race he has logged class-leading 2,762 total laps. Until tonight, there was a huge hole in Dave's race resume . . . no wins at Rocky Mountain Raceways. Little did Dave know that his 11th visit to RMR's Super Oval would put him in victory lane. The RMR Super Oval will host the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series again on Saturday, July 14th. Look for Dave Minegar to add to his trophy case with a another win now that he's got the RMR Super Oval figured out!

Big Budah must've doubled as a good-luck charm today since Caitlin Shaw landed a solid second place, Dave Minegar picked up a long-awaited win, and Ryan Burdett glued his name to the leader board  for a win in the Main Event for the USAC Sprints. Big Budah asked Ryan about the loudness of the USAC Sprint cars. Ryan replied, "We have to stay under 100 decibels." Ryan saved his noise for the track while taking the checkered flag by 3.124 seconds.

Becky was tonight's Grand Marshall. Becky raced for Young Chevrolet from 1998-2000 while piloting the #11 Mini Cup. It was her first time throwing the flags on RMR's Super Oval. Becky took her turn working the wrenches and washing the car before her name was drawn to take the green flag as a driver came late in the 1998 season. At that time, Becky was only one of five female Mini Cup racers in the nation. She took her privilege seriously as she promoted the sport by making appearances at Primary Children's Medical Center and for the Special Olympics at the University of Utah. For representing the Young Chevrolet 100 as the Grand Marshall, Becky received a wall clock with a name plate marking tonight's event.

Mark Pittman
Public Relations Director

Tonight's Winners