************ Feel
free to contact Ryan...go to Rocket Jr.'s Fan Club page and send! ************
June 19, 2009 - Tri-County Motor Speedway - Hudson, NC Team practiced
earlier in the day and felt the car was ready to roll. It seemed quick, even with the smaller carburetor that was needed for
the change NASCAR imposed for Tri-County rules. In the Limited Late Model Division, everyones has to use the tracks
stock pile of used tires and you run what set you are given. Ryan's car did not like the tires and ended up qualifying 10th.
During the first few laps, the car seemed to be coming to life and Ryan made his way up a few positions. During one of the
cautions Ryan stated that the car kept stalling and Randy thought it might be the smaller carburetor and the heavy air......we
wish we pulled in. On the restart with one lap to go, Ryan came out of turn 4 and was not told of a car on the outside and
hit him then turned down to get away from the high-side car and there was a car on the inside of him. Spun down the front-stretch
and wiped out the wall, car, spotters job, and any future racing.
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| June 19, 2009 - Tri-County Motor Speedway |
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| Hit the wall so hard, the wall broke in half. |
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| Concrete wall about 12 inches thick. |
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| Lucky the #28 didn't come through the wall. |
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| Got spun on front stretch and hit the wall a ton. |
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| Car very badly damaged...but Ryan was safe and sound. Special THANKS to the Joie of Seating! |
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| The car being stripped down the morning after. |
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| Will know how bad she is on Monday morning from Marlowes. |
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June 13, 2009 - Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC - Twin 75 Laps to be raced on a hot steamy evening. Had a great practice run and felt good for qualifying. Went out
and placed the #28 RG Excavating machine in 5th spot overall. Ryan was struggling a bit with the line in turns 3 and 4....and
then he figured it out and passed 2 cars to finish 3rd in the first Twin 75 lappers. Very amazing to watch a young 16 year
old battle it out with these veterans that have run OCS for years. The second 75 laps...was NOT so amazing. Ryan runs EVERYONE
clean and shows his talent, but then there are others who only know how to crash others instead of racing them clean. A total
punt job from behind in turn 2, which sent Ryan flying backwards into the wall. Marlowe's Racing Chassis had to replace
the rear clip and made our budget even more tighter. If the day ever comes where this young talented driver has the money
behind him like others do....they should be worried...very worried.
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| June 13, 2009 - Orange County Speedway |
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| Ryan and Grampa Joe LaBonte' |
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| The Crew ready for a great night...... |
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| Bill, Ralph, Randy, Joe and Grampa Joe! |
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| The first of the Twin 75 laps..... |
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| Awesome run! Finished 3rd in the first 75 ;aps. |
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| .....and the second 75 lap race. |
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| Plowed in from behind, spun and hit rear-end in turn 2 |
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June 6, 2009 Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC - Ryan and team had great
day on Saturday. Ryan entered his first UARA Stars Series event at his home track and looking forward to a good run. Going
out third in line to qualify, Ryan sat his number 20 RG Excavating machine on the outside pole for the longest time. Three
other competitors ended up lining up in front of Ryan, which placed him 5th out of 24 cars. During the race Ryan stated the
car felt very loose and couldn't get on the gas. Trying so very hard in his first outing with the UARA Stars, Ryan tried to
wheel her when she didn't want to go, but managed to bring her home in 11th position. Gained tons of experience and once the
#20 (28) gets the right setup....Watch out for Rocket Jr. once again!! Thanks to our crew for all your hard work...you
guys are awesome!
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| Orange County Speedway, June 6, 2009 |
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| Getting focused for his first UARA Stars qualifying run. |
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| Pushing her out for the "Meet and Greet" |
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| Randy, Ryan, Ashlee, Sabestian and Lucky! |
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| The Line Up... |
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| McCall, Rodenbeck, McReynolds, Boswell and #20 Glenski |
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| The feature at OCS |
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| Learning curves + experience = upcoming factor! |
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May 29, 2009 - Tri-County Motor Speedway- Hudson, NC Ryan wins 1st Late Model Race at Tri-County Motor Speedway! 194th Career Win! Arriving at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, North Carolina after a few showers, Ryan and team were
clearly focused...focused on getting a top 3. Ryan raced in the Limited Late Model Division (Limited Division uses old
tires) which had a field of 12 cars. Qualifying went great with a run of 17.077, which placed him in 3rd starting spot. Ryan
said the car felt really good during qualifying. Tri-County inverts the field with a roll of the dice. The pole winner rolls
the dice and what ever number it lands on...that's how many invert. Dexter Canipe won the pole but rolled a 6...which placed
Dexter 6th and Ryan 4th. Nathan Dellinger ended in the top spot at the start. The start is all it took for Ryan to rocket
his way to the lead and he had no problem running 3 wide to make his move. He took the lead after lap 3 and
never looked back. Dexter Canipe Jr. and Jason Crouse rounded out the top 3. Special thanks goes to Bill Lett...again:)
You're awesome getting the #28 dailed in! Thanks also to Sebastian Skierski for helping out. Check out www.tricountymotorspeedway.com (click on Legacy Video- May 29th) for the latest shots of Ryan. Next up.....June 6th at Orange County Speedway
for Ryan's 1st UARA race. t
| Tri-County Motor Speedway Feature Winner |
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| Limited Late Model- May 29, 2009- Photo by Legacy Video |
May 9, 2009 - Hickory Motor Speedway- Rain had changed our directions....We
headed to Orange County Speedway on Thursday, May 7, for practice. Ryan and team had great practice runs. Bill
Lett had come along to help with the set-up of the car and it was a rocketship. We were very excited for Saturday night's
race...but Mother Nature had other plans. Kimberely Fousee from OCS, had cancelled early on Saturday morning so no one
would make the trip to see the rain. One problem....we had left the trailer at the track on Thursday....so the team took a
nice ride to Rougemont to fetch the trailer. Funny...Randy had phone calls coming in to go to South Boston, Myrtle Beach &
Hickory....Hickory won out...close to home! Ryan and team showed up late because of the 5 hour long haul to Hickory and missed
practice. With the car being dialed-in for Orange County Speedway, the #28 machine was a touch loose...but Ryan managed to
qualify her in the 6th position, out of 16 cars. Between the OCS set-up in car and the way a "built motor" motors
around Hickory, Ryan had a great time running side by side and gaining tons of experience in the late model. He ended
up finishing in 8th position. Great night! Thanks again Bill Lett..and you too Kevin! Next run....Tri-County
Speedway, Friday May 29th.
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| Team looking forward to a great run at Hickory. |
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| Bill, Joe, Ryan, Briona, Randy and Ralph. |
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| The Team. |
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| Joe, Ryan, Randy and Ralphie. |
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| Hickory Motor Speedway, May 9, 2009 |
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| Talking it over before the feature with Bill Lett. |
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| Ryan's biggest fan!! |
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| Ryan's sister Briona, wishing Ryan luck! |
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April 25, 2009 Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, NC- Second
time out with the #28 RG Excavating machine and we started out at Hickory Friday and Saturday in a bit of a funk...the car
was way out of it:( Tires, tires and tires. Goodyear vs Hoosiers= total opposite. (Hoosiers at Orange County and Goodyear
at Hickory.) With over an inch difference in the two, car was not setup where Ryan could make a go of it. During qualifying
and the race, Ryan did all that he could do to drive has hard as he could. Randy, Crew Chief, has asked long time Crew Chief
Bill Lett of Statesville, NC. to help out. Bill had offered to spot for Ryan and wow! what a smart, patient, knowledgeable
nice guy...Thanks Bill...you were awesome! Qualified 9th out of 16 cars and was running a good race until a spin coming out
of turn four sent him to the rear with 3 laps to go. Ryan finished in lucky 13 position...lucky? Yes...lucky no one hit him
during his first spin! We will be back at Orange County Speedway next weekend, May 9th. Our first race with the
UARA Stars will be at Orange County Speedway come June 6th.
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| Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, NC |
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| Heading out to practice April 24, 2009. |
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| NASCAR Whelen All-American Series |
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| Practice before qualifying 9th fastest. |
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| "Meet and Greet" the drivers. |
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| Ryan spending time with some young fans. |
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| Signing autographs |
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| Warm, beautiful early evening...an hour before the feature. |
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| 50 lap feature |
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| Ryan and team getting ready for first run at Hickory. |
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| Sitting patiently....and safely. |
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| Sitting in a custom made LaJoie seat. www.joieofseating.com |
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Ryan will be running at Hickory Motor Speedway this Saturday night, April 25th in the Late Model
Division.
Want to help out? We'll place your name on the quarter panel that
faces out to the fans. Just help cover a weekly tire bill and racing fuel. "LaBonte" (Ryan's mom's maiden
name) can be removed for a weekly sponsorship. It's approximately $750. In this economic tailspin, you can help Ryan
keep moving towards his 200th career win. Only 8 more wins to go! Go to the comment box located in "Rocket Jr.'s
Fan Club" page if you'd like to be part of an up and coming Late Model Sensation!
| Wanna help sponsor the next race???? |
|
|
| Place your name where "LaBonte" is located. |
April 22, 2009- Make a difference...one twist at a time....Ryan and team are collecting bottle caps for a very special need. Here is an opportunity for everyone
to help in a great way. There is a Nash County child who has cancer and she has no insurance, We can help her by
collecting all plastic twist tops, from drinks, any jugs, detergent, etc. For every 40,000 she will receive a free cancer
treatment. We are informed that she has received several such free treatments to date. All we have to do
is collect all our plastic tops that you normally throw away. Please place in bag and bring to Orange County Speedway or save
and bring to Ryan at Hickory Motor Speedway, Tri-County Speedway, Concord Motorsports Park, etc. and Ryan will autograph his
herocard for you and get pictured in his #28 RG Excavating machine. Please help us to make a difference in a little girl's
life. Thank you and God bless. April 18, 2009 - Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC. Ryan's
first debut in his #28 Marlowe Chassis Late Model was Saturday night at Orange County Speedway. It was a beautiful spring
day that turned into a great night for Ryan and team. Ryan pushed the #28 during qualifying and had to lift coming out of
turn 4....smart young man! Either try and move the wall or save the car for the race. This split second judgement shows
alot of maturity...especially since this was his very first qualifying lap in a late model. The pole position went to Stacy
Puryear at 14.040. Ryan ran a 14.443 and qualified in 7 spot. The team's only mission was to bring back
the #28 in one piece...and that's what Ryan and team did. Ryan started the race with the help of Jerry Kendrick. Jerry
helped out for Ryan's first test at OCS and then came back to help Ryan through the 100 lap feature. Thanks Jerry! With
a very smooth and consistent driving style, Ryan moved up to a 4th place finish. It was a fantastic night for the RG Excavating
machine, for Ryan finished behind some impressive veterans, Stacy Puryear, Terry Dease and Craig Moore. Ryan and team would
like thank Will and Madine Stewart...for they helped buy the tires and fuel...you guys are awesome!
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| Orange County Speedway Opening Day |
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| April 18, 2009 |
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| 100 lap feature for the Late Models. 4/18/09 |
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| Young Rookie starting his first Late Model race. |
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| 6 year old Ryan with his Jr. Sportsman Champ Kart |
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| "lil" Orange County Raceway, Rougemont, NC |
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| 16 year old Ryan with his #28 late model |
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| "Big" Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC |
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| Ryan listening to Jerry Kendrick's good tips! |
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| Testing session at Orange County Speedway, April 4, 2009 |
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| Practice at Hickory Motor Speedway, March 30, 2009 |
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| Will & Madine Stewart, Ryan, Randy and Karen Belding |
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April 10, 2009 Economic Woes:( With a difficult economic
down turn hitting almost everyone...we had to place the great opportunity of driving for David Stremme on hold. While in search
of sponsorships to help support this endeavor, we came up short for a full season with Stremme. If and when a sponsor does
come through for David Stremme Racing, we would love to place his machines in victory lane. But as for now...we deceided to
sell the Allison Legacy car and move on up to a late model. We purchased a Marlowe Chassis and "built" motor a couple
weeks ago and Ryan has been out testing. Our first test was at the famed Hickory Motor Speedway on March 30 and then
on April 4th at Orange County Speedway. Special thanks goes out to Will & Madine Stewart and Karen Belding for coming
up to Hickory to see Ryan practice and reminisce about the good old days when Randy drove for Will and Madine up in New York!
Gotta locate a picture! Also "thanks" to Jerry Kendrick for helping out immensely at OCS...."Little Rocket"
was getting around pretty darn good! As for the up and coming racing schedule for Ryan and team.....We will have our
first outing with the #28 RG Excavating Late Model at Orange County Speedway on April 18th for their Opening Night. The Late
Model's will run a 100 lapper. Check it out @ www.ocstrack.com
| #28 RG Excavating Late Model Stock Car |
|
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| First test at Orange County Speedway- April 4, 2009 |
March 14, 2009- Memory Lane Museum, Mooresville, NC- The weather might have been gloomy on Saturday, but it was very bright inside the Memory Lane Museum. With all the
drivers and crew members taking time to honor and help one of their own, Jake "Suitcase" Elders had a wonderful
day. Jake's sister, Helen, was by his side all day. She said she was very thankful for such a wonderful turn out
and all the support her brother received. Ryan being the youngest driver there was honored to help such a great racing legend.
"It's awesome to see so many drivers and crew members come to help out Jake and all the fans that came out in the
rain" said Ryan.
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| Benefit for Jake "Suitcase" Elders |
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| "The King" Richard Petty and Ryan |
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| Ryan with Mr. Donnie Allison |
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| Just a few autographs...a great turn out for Jake. |
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Click on Pro Challenge article below http://www.prochallenge.net/2009_season/releases/NORTH_3_9_OCS_recap.html
March 7, 2009- Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC- 192 Career Wins! Wow! Ryan did it again. Again, in a car that he never sat in before or
practiced. Ryan won his 192nd career win in Curt Andrews Pro Challenge Car at Orange County Speedway this past Saturday. The
Curt Andrews team had their number #34 Pro Challenge all set to go for practice and qualifying. In practice, Ryan felt very
comfortable with the car and knew all cars were to be impounded after qualifying. The set-up was to "come in" more
towards the end of the race...and did it ever! Ryan ended up 4th on the starting grid, but a one car had made adjustments
and had to go the rear, which placed Ryan on the outside pole. The Pole Winner was Kyle Benjamin. During the first half, Benjamin
could manage to get away from the pack, but Ryan's #34 car was starting to come in. With everyone being hungry, there
was rubbing and wrecking going on and it was not until the very last caution that gave Ryan a shot at the fast #71 Benjamin. The
green, white, checker was all that was left of the 50 lap feature season opener. Ryan had to pull out all he had to
get the checker flag first because Benjamin was not giving up. Ryan running high and Benjamin running low, Ryan beat him only
by a car length at the line. Great job Benjamin! A huge THANK YOU goes to Curt Andrews and team. We appreciate the opportunity
to drive for a great team.
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| Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, NC |
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| Ryan with Curt Andrews Pro Challenge Car |
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| March 7, 2009 |
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| Raymond getting the #34 ready for qualifying. |
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| "Pit Party" on the front stretch at OCR |
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| The "Pit Party" was a great place to meet and greet your favorite driver. |
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| Ryan with a young race fan. |
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| Great "pit party" before the main events. |
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March 7, 2009- Orange County Speedway- Pro Challenge Series starts it's
season in Rougemont, North Carolina. Ryan will be making the voyage to run the number 34 owned and maintained by Andrews Motorsports
located in Concord, NC. With the winter months soon to be behind us, Ryan can pick up his speed once again and aim towards
his 200th victory. At 191 wins, and only 16 years old, Ryan has so much to be thankful for. Thankful for taking things slow
and not rushing to get to the next level too soon. In today's economy, you have to slow down and enjoy what you have and
not rush to be ahead of your age. While sponsors are very hard to come by.....we are very thankful for those opportunities
that are given to Ryan. Hopefully one day Ryan and team can return the favors. A special thanks goes out to the Lajoie Family,
Tony Arnold, Tripp Massengill and Curt Andrews and Team.
February 21, 2009- Rockingham, NC. "Little Rock" - Ryan
participated in Fast Track's Official Driving School of ARCA at Rockingham Speedway's Little Rock.
Ryan and 5 other students were there to learn as much as possible from a man who knows so very much, Andy Hillenburg. Andy
and team were ready bright and early Saturday morning. With a drivers meeting and safety program to run through, all
were chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel of Fast Track's array of ARCA cars that were brought from Charlotte.
Andy's cars had different set-up's in each so the students could feel the different shocks, springs
and gear, etc.. Ryan first went out in the #80. He was very smooth and fast. With these cars having 700 to 850 horse
power, Ryan absorbed the feel of each car and was able to be the quickest all day. Ryan was quicker than the trucks that
practiced on the Little Rock and just as fast as the Nationwide cars. His fastest time of the day was an impressive 22.3.
Andy had Ryan working on being consistent. After a full round with the different cars, it was pit stop time. Andy and team
had the students come down pit lane and shoot into their pit stalls before and after a parked car. While going fast and not
wanting to over shoot your pit, the timing had to be just right...it was great experience. It's not as easy as it looks
on TV. The entire day was worth every penny spent...thank you Santa! Right after lunch Ryan and team ran over to practice
the Alllison Legacy car on the roadcourse on the infield of the 1 mile Rock. Ryan only took about 15 minutes to run a practice
run and said car felt good except for the old tires. (the Allison Legacy race was cancelled on the 28th of February due to
bad weather.) Special thanks to all of Fast Track's team for being so patient and helpful. Thank you's
also go out to the Hamlet Fire Department for being on hand for the day...we appreciate it big time. As for the Fast Track High Performance Driving School, we recommend it very much. This talented young man will listen
and learn and hear every word you say...because we think you have a special gift when it comes to teaching a young stallion!
We look forward to next run! www.fasttrackracing.com
| Ryan's first outing in an ARCA car. |
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| Andy Hillenburg having a chat with Ryan before turning him loose! |
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| Focusing for speed comes very natural for Ryan. |
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| Born to race. Born to learn. Ready to win. |
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| Taking time to buckle in safely. |
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| Thank you IMPACT for the great safety belts! |
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| Getting Ryan ready for the 1/2 mile |
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| Fast Track crew member making sure Ryan is set to go. |
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| |
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| NY & NC's Rifenburg Construction Co. |
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| Randy raced against Rifenburg's Tommy Correllis #57 at Lebanon Valley in NY...Good ol' days! |
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| Ryan absorbing all angles of Fast Track. |
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| Fast Track team was amazing with the students. |
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| Ryan with family and crew. |
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| Kevin, Randy, Ryan, Grampa Joe, Ralph, Danny and Elmer |
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| A great assortment of ARCA cars were on hand. |
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| Different cars had different set-ups...to feel the difference. |
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| Taking out the #10 Rifenburg ARCA car. |
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| Andy telling Ryan some last minute advice. |
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| Fast Track camera crew & a very relaxed Ryan. |
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| Camera crew took time to interview all students. |
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| Ryan Glenski listening to Mr. Andy Hillenburg. |
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| A picture speaks a thousand words.... |
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| Ryan and Andy going over some laps. |
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| HFD- Thank you Hamlet Fire Department! |
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| Fast Track Driving School- 704-455-1700 |
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| Fast Track team member talking it over with Ryan. |
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| Ryan getting help settling in from Andy's team. |
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| Thanks guy's...you were awesome! |
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| One happy 16 year old! |
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| Ryan with the #21 Dodge ARCA hot rod! |
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| Getting ready.... |
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| A very Intense, focused, determined young man. |
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| "Best Christmas gift I ever received" says Ryan. |
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| Ryan enjoying the ARCA Driving School very much. |
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| A Beautiful "Little Rock" |
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| February 21, 2009 |
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| Front stretch pit stops |
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| Fast Track teaches all aspects...thanks Andy and team! |
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| Driving in to your pit stall. |
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| Real deal with pit sign and 55 mph speed limit. |
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| Andy on pit wall coaching Ryan on the radio. |
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| Great experience with the ARCA cars! |
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| Great teacher,equipment, track, EMT's = GREAT DAY! |
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| Fast Track High Performance Driving School was worth every penny...and more! |
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| Hoping to run in April at Rockingham. |
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| ARCA/REMAX Carolina 200 Laps April 18 & 19, 2009 |
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| Reflecting on a great day. |
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| Charles Hudson interviewing Ryan on the Fast Track's ARCA experience. |
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All of 2008 and 2007 racing news has been moved to "Archives"
 |
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Feel free to contact us...go to Fan Club page..Thanks!
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