|
Photo's courtesy http://www.graphxdesigns.com
Brett Miller puts on strong charge from the back at Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial to score first career Golden State Challenge Series podium finish
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA – May 9, 2009…Following an opening lap excursion off turn one in the main event on Saturday night Chico, CA's Brett Miller rebounded by putting on an entertaining charge from the rear of the field to score an impressive third place finish in the 19th annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial at the Silver Dollar Speedway.
The third place finish marked Miller's first career podium with the Golden State Challenge 410 Sprint Car Series and continued his solid start to the '09 season. "I wish the first start of the race would have gone a little differently, but even with the spin it still turned out to be an amazing night for us," Miller said. "Brian Cannon and this team had this car on a rail tonight and it was a lot of fun to be able to charge through the pack like that."
The 19th annual Dave Bradway Memorial saw a very strong 39 car field on hand to compete in the cornerstone event for the Golden State Challenge Series. Miller came out first in the qualifying order and ripped off a blazing fast 11.195 to become the first of a number of drivers to break the existing GSC track record at Silver Dollar Speedway. When all was said and done the Care Free Pools, Platinum Powder Coating, Jandy pools No. 1x was fourth quickest overall.
After carving his way from sixth to second in his heat race Miller then started from the third position in the evening's dash and got a great start to slide underneath Brad Sweet and move into second. The 19 year-old racer proceeded to hit his marks the rest of the way and bring home a runner-up finish to give himself a front row starting spot in the 40 lap Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial main event.
When the green lights came on Miller drag raced with pole sitter Jonathan Allard into turn one, but got over the edge of the track and spun to a stop forcing him to restart from the rear of the field. He didn't let that deter him however, as he began to immediately move forward when the green flag was waved once again. Miller was up on the wheel with the Silver Dollar Speedway being very hooked-up and quick yet again. As many drivers fought their machines on the track surface the former GSC Rookie of the Year was dicing it up and making some incredible moves on the quarter-mile bullring.
By the half way point Miller was already back up to the top five, having made passes of a number of drivers, including some hair raising ones where he was forced to split cars with extreme precision. The youngster was charging by veterans such as Paul McMahan, Brent Kaeding, Bud Kaeding and Jason York as he moved into fourth with just under 15 laps remaining in the feature. Miller then closed in on third running Tyler Walker and got a great run down the backstretch to make the pass heading into turn three.
Walker would fight his way back, but would get over the edge of the track and spin to a stop. Finding himself in third now Miller ran the final laps mistake free and was able to cross the line behind Jonathan Allard and Brad Sweet to put a strong end to a great main event for the JP's Paint & Body, Simpson Race Products, Christopher Bean Coffee Company No. 1x sprinter. "I really have to thank my grandparents and all of our sponsors for supporting this team and giving us a chance to be out here," Miller commented.
Making the finish even more special and impressive was the fact that the other drivers who made up the top five included Jonathan Allard, Brad Sweet, Tyler Walker and Brent Kaeding. "To be able to run with guys like that is really a dream come true and to be able to finish this good at the Bradway is really awesome," the 19 year-old commented. "I really feel that we're getting faster every week and we're definitely going to get a win real soon if we keep running like this."
Brett Miller and the Care Free Pools Racing team will return to the Silver Dollar Speedway this coming Friday night for the sixth point race of the Feather Falls Casino season. Miller will look to put the No. 1x machine into victory lane for the first time this year, during what will be Moore Insurance Services night at the races.
More news and info on Chico, CA's Brett Miller can be found at the http://www.brettmillerracing.net
----------------------------
Brett Miller joins winner Jonathan Allard and second place Brad Sweet on the podium at the 19th annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial in Chico. It marked Miller's best career finish with the Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series.
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
|
