Texas Speedzone - Robert Barker survives heat, rocks to grab first TSRS win of ’08 season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 4, 2008
Contact: K-MAC Sports, 512.219.1090; MAN Racing Promotions, 512.844.3582

Robert Barker survives heat, rocks to grab first TSRS win of ’08 season

( Wichita Falls , TX ) How ironic. Robert Barker (Boerne, TX), who has lost races this season in the Texas Super Racing Series (TSRS) late models because of (a) engine problems; (b) tire problems; and, (c) just flat-out bad luck, finally had things go his way Saturday at Red River Speedway (RRS) in Wichita Falls, TX.

Barker took the checkered flag in the Premier Minerals, Inc. 75 for his first win of the 2008 season and his third career TSRS win.

Barker powered his way past 14-year-old TSRS rookie Dillon Spreen (also from Boerne) and Jesse Salazar ( San Antonio ) on a night when the Texas heat (the reported heat index at the track was over 110 degrees during the day) and other factors came into play for the series’ eighth race of the season.

“Our tires were full of rocks when we entered the track out of impound,” stated Barker, who set the fast qualifying time of 14.241 seconds earlier that day around the ¼-mile asphalt oval at RRS. “There’s only one way to get around the pits – you have to circle the pits to get out on the track. I didn’t have any grip problems in the race; I felt my car was really good in the race.”

Barker continued, “I was able to drive a lot faster in the race than in practice and it may have been a combination of things for the race – the sun was down (the race started after 9 p.m. Central time) and the handling was better. We thank the good people at RRS for doing all they could under some very tough – and hot – conditions.”

Barker started on the outside front row next to Heath Stewart, the overall points leader and winner of four races this season. Barker stated before the race he was concerned about starting on the outside. On the initial race start, Barker said Joe Aramendia ( San Antonio ) – who started on the inside of Row 2 – got a good run and he (Barker) was afraid he might not work his way inside.

But there was a caution before the first lap was completed and the scoring tower ordered a complete restart. This time, Barker got a good jump and fell in behind Stewart, who seemed “to be struggling with his car,” Barker observed. “I didn’t get to talk to him afterward but it looked like was struggling with his rear tires.”

Barker’s big moment came on a restart as he finally got the inside groove on Stewart. “At the same time,” Barker recalled, “Chris Schild (#7, Leander) was on the high side and we basically went three-wide. I guess Chris’ right rear (tire) blew out and he hit the wall. Heath seemed to struggle with his handling and I was able to grab the lead.”

He continued, “From there, I heard – and could see – other drivers having problems. I was up in front, trying to make ‘easy’ laps in the sense that I didn’t want to push it too much. It did seem like we had better grip than most of the other drivers.”

Barker was happy to grab the checkered flag, but, “It’s funny that I won this way. I really didn’t want to win the race. It’s ironic because I’ve had such bad luck this season. The series is fun and we thank Mary Ann and officials for all they do and for making it a great series to run.”

Barker is supported by his wife, Stephanie, and is sponsored by Mission Auto Parts and Precision Collision. Crew members include David Barker (crew chief), Charles Hopper and Tom Hamilton.

Barker also collected the Fast Qualifier award of $150 and Halfway Leader award of $150, as posted by Red River Speedway, for his efforts.

Information on TSRS can be found at www.manracingpromotions.com. Information on Thunderhill Raceway can be found at www.thunderhillraceway.com.

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