ANTIOCH, Calif. (April 1, 2013) – Joey Saldana and the Motter Equipment Fatheadz Eyewear 71M team are riding the momentum of quick time and a track record as they prepare to battle the intense World of Outlaws Sprint Car competition on the 3/8-mile Antioch Speedway April 5.
The team set a track record and quick time at the previous race March 29 on the third-mile Merced (Calif.) Speedway.
For the up-coming Antioch event, fan excitement is high in anticipation of another electrifying race that seems to be developing into tradition. Last year on the last turn on the final lap there was a three-way squeeze play accented by a slide job that propelled winner Tim Kaeding to victory over reigning Outlaws champion Donny Schatz. In 2011 the competition was equally as exciting.
“There has been a lot of spectacular competition this year and we have every reason to believe that our race enthusiasts will be treated to another evening of exceptional hammer down racing,” said Saldana, currently riding in third place in World of Outlaws point standings.
“This is a tight little track so qualifying up front is key. We’re hoping to be right in the thick of it as we drive to the checkered flag.”
On Saturday evening, the Outlaws will take to the nostalgic Calistoga Speedway. The track has been revamped this year adding clay and banking. Located in the Napa County Fairgrounds, the Calistoga track has been in operation for 75 years and the race April 6 will be the 25th for the World of Outlaws.
“We are really looking forward to getting on the new course during hot laps,” said Saldana. “In the past, we’ve found that passing has been difficult so hopefully the new configuration will give us more passing room and side-by-side racing.
“We are bringing our A Game,” continued Saldana. “We’re energized and ready to mix it up.”
So far this season, the 71M team’s performance record includes one quick time, one track record, two top five and six top 10 finishes, an admirable testimony to a team that was born and raised in a 45-day time period before the season-opener.
Saldana has 83 career victories, placing him seventh on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car win list.
