JM2 MOTORSPORTS CONSIDERS AUGUST A SUCCESS!!!

(August 30, 2009) In recent action, Joe Martin drove an incredible race and put the #55 Crate Late Model into victory lane, claiming not only his first win, but also the first win for the JM2 Motorpsorts team. In his rookie season, Joe has ammassed an impressive 20 Top 10 Finishes in his 38 starts, while also claiming this recent feature win. Joe has been happy with the way his rookie season has gone, however he is also set on continual improvement.

At the beginning of this month, Joe competed at the famous Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. After turning in a strong qualifying effort, Joe was moving towards the front come feature time, and appeared to have a top-5 car. Fate would have none of that though, as contact with another car forced Joe to the tail of the field. He rallied and pushed his #55 Rocket Chassis to the 12th position.

In the weeks to follow, Joe competed at Tri-City, Dog Hollow, and Mercer. He picked up several Top 10's and a pair of Top 5's, including the aforementioned win. Joe appeared to be on his way to another strong finish at Dog Hollow Speedway on August 14th, however some mechanical gremlins caught up with him and resulted in a DNF, while running in the second position. Joe's mentor, Mike Blose, went on to claim his first Crate Late Model victory that evening.

After a month filled with some high's and low's, Joe is looking forward to the remainder of the 2009 racing season and hopes pick up a few more wins before the season is over.

Joe would like to thank his 2009 season sponsors: Martin Farms, Juart Bros. Excavating, S&S Communications, Juart Exploration, Neese Trucking, Freedline Auto Repair, Ringold Tire, Cornerstone Chiropractic, B&C Meter, The Primitive Peddler, ZeroWraps, and Fleming Design Solutions.

For more information on Joe, visit JoeMartin55.com
Prepared by Jason Fleming, Fleming Design Solutions

From track reports:

Mercer Raceway Park, August 22, 2009:
MERCER, PA - Raw rookie Joe Martin captured an emotional career first victory charging from the ninth starting spot to win the 20-lap 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Model feature worth $600. The former crewman for Late Model standout Mike Blose finished sixth in his first ever race on April 4, won his heat race the following week, and his victory Saturday night came in just seventh ever race at Mercer!

“My grandpa passed away from cancer last December and his birthday was yesterday and would have been 83,” revealed the 24-year-old Mayport, Pa. driver. “He was always with me when I was growing up playing ball and went to all my games. No one could ever be more proud of their grandsons. I want to dedicate this win to him!”

Tom Snyder, Jr. raced past front row starters Sean Puz and Mike Anderson, Jr. into the lead at the start. Martin made his presence known on lap six when he entered the top five passing newcomer Kyle Zimmerman. Martin moved up another spot taking fourth away from Chris Schneider with an inside move at the halfway point. Following a restart with 10 laps completed, Anderson was able to nose ahead of Snyder to lead lap 11, while Martin grabbed third from Booher.

Snyder stayed with Anderson and the two ran side-by-side on laps 12 and 13. Martin was close behind as the trio broke away from the field. Snyder continued to pressure Anderson, but broke entering turn three on lap 16 and was unable to get his car into the pits bringing out the event’s final caution. When racing resumed, Martin was all over Anderson. The two ran side-by-side for the lead on laps 17 and 18. Martin would get by Anderson going under the leader, who slipped high coming off turn two on lap 18. Martin’s impressive win came in his Martin Farms/Juart Bros. Excavating & Exploration/Neese Trucking/S&S Communications-sponsored #55.

“I felt better and more relaxed when I was up front,” stated the winner when asked about his nerves. “I knew some of the guys were spinning their tires. I knew you had to keep calm and keep your wheels under you; that’s what I did and thought we had the best car. It was just up to the driver to make it happen.”

For Anderson it was third runner-up in the past six races as he’s so close to his first Late Model win. Tyler Dietz turned in a career best effort in third place after starting 14th. Dog Hollow Speedway regular Bernie Whiteford made his first ever start a successful one taking fourth after starting 19th. Russ Dunn was another mover coming from 18th to finish fifth in his first start driving for Kyle Layton. Completing the top 10 were Joey Valenti, Booher, Shane Bambarger, Jason Fosnaught, and Schneider. Heat winners over the 20-car field were Snyder and Zimmerman.