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Tornado Alley – Something Old, Something New!
(Bill W) April 17, 2008 – As Billy Alley embarks on the 2008 Knoxville Raceway campaign starting this Saturday night; he will bring something old and something new with him. The SA Racing Team has been formed recently, but many of the components have been with the Lincoln, Nebraska sprint car driver since his career began in August 2001. Before the team hits Knoxville on Saturday, they'll run at Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood in an ASCS-Midwest vs. ASCS-Northern Plains tilt.
SA Racing was formed a few months ago, and has been a blessing, in part, because many of those Billy has had success with in the past, are back with him. "Partnering with Shane is new and SA Racing is something we're really proud of," he says. "But my dad and (Bob) "Buns" (Richardson) and Allyn ('Ace') Shiveley were there before when we ran the #22. So from that aspect, things are clicking a lot faster than they would if everyone was new."
One new thing is a JEI chassis. "The racecar is new, so it may take us a little while to get comfortable with the car, but Barry Jackson from JEI has done a lot to help us," says the 2006 Knoxville Raceway track champion. "We have a great starting point! Hopefully, I can get my elbows up a little bit and be comfortable. Once you're up to speed and comfortable at Knoxville, then you can start moving around a little bit and doing some damage!"
The competition in the 410 class will be as fierce as any time in the track's history. "It's great for the sport of 410 sprint car racing," says Billy. "A lot of people say it's dying out, but on Saturday nights at Knoxville this year, it's not going to feel like it! Knoxville is special. The facilities spoil you. The way they run the show spoils you. The fan support is always great! It's just a friendly atmosphere. That's why people keep coming back. You can get a lot of publicity there. It's hard to make any money in this sport, but you can do decent there on a local level."
Billy is determined to make the most of his opportunity in 2008. "Competition is only going to make us faster when the Outlaws come to town," he says. "It's going to make us all better racers. I know we have good equipment, and I have confidence in my driving ability. We need to focus on our team and what we're doing. I don't have to prove anything to anyone but myself. It's been awhile since I've stood in Victory Lane over there (Knoxville)."
The objectives at Knoxville are simple. "My goal is to be competitive there every week," he determines. "If we can get that mindset, we'll be a team to be reckoned with. A lot of it is mental. If you don't think you can win when you strap in, I don't care how good the car is, you're not going to win!"
With three wins and six top fives in seven feature starts at NRP, Billy is confident heading into Friday night as well. "I enjoy racing there, and I've had some success there," he says. "Usually, Ed Kosiski has a racy track for us there. I look forward to letting that new Wesmar motor of ours open up a little bit. It will be one of the higher momentum tracks we've been on, and I think that will play to our strength."
Hoseheads Radio
If you are too far from Knoxville to make it on Saturday night, Billy's races will be on the internet at www.HoseheadsRadio.com all season long! Join "Hot" Rod Pattison and Bill W for all the action starting at 7:30 p.m. CST. SA Racing is a proud partner of Hoseheads Radio this season!
Billy on the Radio
Billy will be making Monday morning appearances all race season long on KJJY (92.5 FM). He's looking forward to talking about racing…and other things. "Because it is a country station, I think we'll talk hunting," he says of his love of the outdoors. "I think the people in Iowa can appreciate that!"
Website
Be sure to visit the Kid's Corner at the website. Your wing design could be used on the car!
To learn more about Billy Alley and SA Racing, visit www.BillyAlley.com!
T-shirts
SA Racing apparel can be viewed at www.BillyAlley.com and purchased at the track! Also visit www.RacingThreads.com for apparel on clearance!
Down the Alley
Mark in Des Moines asks: What are the differences in the JEI chassis compared to other cars you've driven in the past?
Billy answers: It's a tighter (handling) racecar. We've only raced the 410 one time (Pevely), and I was pretty comfortable. We were freer than we had been before. It seems to get into the racetrack a lot better. These cars have a balance to it, and if it's at a point where the balance is off, it doesn't matter what kind of car you have. That was our problem earlier this year.
Got a question for Billy? Send it to us at [email protected], and we may answer it in this section! Put "? for Billy" in your subject line.
Alley's Anecdotes
According to Openwheeltimes.com, in 90 career feature starts at Knoxville Raceway, Billy has 13 wins (14%), 48 top fives (53%) and 67 top tens (74%). The two-time 360 Nationals champion won twice in route to his 2006 410 track championship. During his 2003 360 Championship, he won five times including both ends of Twin Features night (7-12-03). He won in his 9th career 360 start (6-21-03) and his 38th time out in a 410 at the track (9-3-05).
Tornado Alley
"Tornado Alley" is an up close look at the past, present and future of 2006 Knoxville Raceway track champion, Billy Alley. To receive "Tornado Alley", send an e-mail to [email protected] with "Alley" in the subject line.
Billy and SA Racing would like to thank Delta Oil, Sterling Physical Therapy, PC., Bolz Farms, Aeroquip, Awesome Racewear, The Buckles Brothers, Buss Excavating, JEI Chassis, McLain Motorsports, Schmit Automotive, Wesmar Racing Engines, Red Devil, Brakes, Pro Shocks, Fuel Safe, C&R Radiator, Vortex Wings, Sander Engineering, K&N Filters , Harris Decals, Toad Valley Golf Course, Speedway Motors, Featherlite Inc., Autometer, D'Agostiono Racing, Monarch's Restaurant, Volvo, Hoosier Tires.
The Billy Alley/Brian Brown rivalry should be one to watch again in 2008! (IBRACN Photo)
Bill W MediaMonroe, IAUSA[email protected]
If this post isn't results, stories or something c
constructive, it isn't me!
@BillWMedia
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