Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

One last thing, I sure hope TJ. Heil is ok I didn't see the start of his flip but he was running top three in his heat when he went for one of the wildest rides flipping down turn four in what looked like impossible snap rolls. He got out, But I sure hope he's generally ok. He was lightning fast until then. Get well TJ!

Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

I was very impressed with how hard T.J. Hiel was running that car. It seems he's about ready to go to that next level of being a contender on a week to week basis. I hope this doesn't set him back too much financially or, psychologically. Great job T.J. get back on that horse as soon as you can!! Also, I thought the race track was excellent last night!! Great job Dave Rudisell......

Luckily the boy is fine.....arm and leg are a little sore. Head hurt last night but that was gone this morning. Thank God for Butler-Built full containment seats, HANs devices, Impact Helmets, etc. That was one hell of a wild ride.

Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

Yeah, TJ get it on. Hope you are okay and doing well. We have been watching you get better with more seat time.

Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

As good as TJ looked, I felt bad that I wasn't more aware of him and how good he is. That kid can race and with the right breaks, we're definitely going to see a lot of him in the future. The flip was just kind of a freak thing. He got a little bit sideways and the car just vaulted.

Jerry

Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

Jerry, Thats what I feel about drivers I don't normally see who do well. Like I said in my main review post. Mike Terry Jr. and Tony Main in the B main both impressed me racing hard to get the transfers.

I talked with TJ and Pop earlier this year as they only got a few break in races with the sprint last year. I wasn't expecting him to go out and win his heat that night and certainly didn't expect him to be swapping that lead several times with one of the best at the Burg "Westerfeld" As Cecil said he's got the stuff, just a bad break. The guys who are like most teams, have one car, motor etc, but put a quality package together, Used Maxim, Used Mopar and the rest is skill and guts and a decent setup.

Several other drivers have been impressing me lately, Justin Owen has much improved, Garrett Abrams, McGhee, Bilbee who impressed me a year ago, Seen his first win at Bloomington, Farney, Even Travis Hery has improved a bunch. Not intending to leave anyone out as there are several more. But while Im happy when a great driver with good equipment and spares wins or runs well, Its just impressive and fun to watch guys with limited resources do well. I realize this is about 85 percent of all the teams that get to the tracks each week. But I can be as happy for the little guy finishing top five as I can for a multi win team winning the race..

Chuck, who'll always be rooting for he Troy Link's of Sprint Car racing,

Re: Dick Gaines Mem. Aug16th@Burg
 

In my ten years of racing, hitting concrete walls and flipping cars. I have never had such a hard hit as I did during that wreck yesterday evening. I'm doing ok, body is a bit sore, but my head is feeling good.

I just wanted to thank all of the Lawrenceburg safety crew and everyone down in the infield. After watching the video, the guys were to my car before it had even completely stopped. They were very good about getting me out and safe. We have been to other tracks, but no one has a better saftey crew than Lawrenceburg, those guys are some of the best in the business.

The car is pretty much destroyed. Frame is cracked and bent in more than a few places. Very disappointing as it looks as though we will not be able to get it put back together in time to finish out the season.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. Hopefully we will make it back down to the burg at some point!

TJ

If anyone knows of someone with a newer model Maxim 87/40 raised rail chassis they are looking to sell please let me know. We could probably get by with just the chassis but would consider a roller if available.

I doubt we will be back together by Labor Day but would like to get back to Lawrenceburg for the Night of Champions on September 13th.

Call Bernie at Indy Race Parts! He will find one for you!
317-244-9437.
J.T. Stapp