Strong Run Foiled For Matt Merrell; Win-Tron Racing At Mansfield

Strong Run Foiled For Matt Merrell; Win-Tron Racing At Mansfield

Topics: Matt Merrell, Greased Lightning 250

Strong Run Foiled For Matt Merrell; Win-Tron Racing At Mansfield

Chris Knight
Win-Tron Racing
June 18, 2008

“Win-Tron Racing Shows Strength In USAR Bullring Event”

MANSFIELD, Ohio (June 18, 2008) - - United Speed Alliance Racing (USAR) Hooter’s Pro Cup Matt Merrell invaded Mansfield Motorsports Park (MMP) this past weekend looking to post their first top-10 finish of the 2008 season.

Early on in the Greased Lighting 250, Merrell looked well on his way to posting a career best finish in his inaugural season of USAR competition. The night however would take a dramatic turn while running in the top-10 as the Win-Tron Racing team suffered a mechanical failure on lap 120 exiting the team from competition.

Quick from the drop of the green flag, Merrell would patiently pick his battles on the demanding Ohio race course and found himself in the top-10 early. Merrell remained comfortably in the lead pack until the engine seized 130 laps from the finish.

“We can be exceptionally pleased with our performance,” said Merrell, who was credited with a 22nd place finish. “The Win-Tron Racing did a great job all weekend. We unloaded very strong and only continued to strengthen as the day continued. It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to seal the deal but the performance is definitely a boost for our rookie team.”

Merrell collected his second best qualifying effort of the season at Mansfield Motorsports Park on Saturday afternoon after rolling off second to qualify, Merrell whipped out a strong lap which placed the No. 32 entry 13th on the starting grid. In the first event of the season, Merrell stormed to an impressive outside pole in the season opener at South Boston Speedway.

“Our qualifying effort was strong and it’s only going to continue to get stronger as we progress in the season,” Merrell offered. “We worked on our car from practice and went into qualifying with high hopes. To go out second and start comfortably in the top-15, I was pretty happy with that.”

Win-Tron Racing’s Nate Thiesse offered, “Everyone knew that we were there this weekend. Matt did a great job behind the wheel. We were going to have a good night but it just wasn’t’ meant to be. I’m extremely proud of the Win-Tron Racing team for their hard work and dedication. The finishes will come; it’s just a matter of time.”

Merrell slipped one spot in the USAR Championship standings to 18th entering next weekend’s anticipated thriller at the challenging and breathtaking Salem Speedway.

“We plan to make up for what we lost next Saturday night,” added Merrell. “Win-Tron Racing has had great success at Salem Speedway in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and there’s no doubt that we can have the same success in the Hooter’s car. I’m looking forward to it.”

Tejas Exotics, Merrell Lease Service and Win-Tron Driver Development held the sponsorship roles on the No. 32 entry at Mansfield Motorsports Park.

For more information on Win-Tron Racing and Matt Merrell please visit win-tronracing.com.

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