-2008 Results-
8/23-8/24-"Governor's Cup- Milwaukee Mile- West Allis, WI-
Two years of bad luck have finally paid their dues! As Ross made his way to victory lane for the first time since 06, and the first time ever in the Mid-American Stock Car Series. The team was really looking forward to making the return to the famed Milwaukee Mile Speedway, hoping for better results than the previous year. The car was working good right out of the trailer, in due part to testing efforts made at Hawkeye Downs. Ross qualified 7th overall for the 40 mile race, but due to a 14 car invert would start in the 8th position. As the green flag dropped, Ross methodically moved his way to the front challenging for the lead on lap 9. A caution came out and bunched the field together. Ross took advantage of the high line and moved into the lead. Ross was the only driver in that outside groove, and it prooved to be a strong decision. A late caution on lap 35 pulled the reigns back on Ross' large lead. He was fortunate enough to hold off a strong charge from Jake Finney, as well as James Swan, en route to the biggest victory in his young career!
7/26" Hankscraft Dells Duel 2-Dells Raceway Park, Wisconsin Dells"
The Dells was yet another test of the durability of Ross, and the entire team. The race didn't go as planned, however the team had the car working very well, and was looking forward to the feature. The invert for the qualifying race proved to be the achilles heel for the team, as a car with no experience was placed in front of Ross. When the green flag dropped the outside line never moved. Ross was forced to the back, and could only take what the race gave him. This was very unfortunate as the the team had a very good car. Ross will be testing in preparaton for the Milwaukee Mile!
7/9 WIR White Race- Wisconsin International Raceway, Kaukauna, WI
Wisconsin International Raceway may be one of the most intimidating tracks in the area, but for the RZM team it was a relief to go back to a track they had prior experience on. The team struggled during practice, but got it fixed in time for qualifying, as Ross was 2 tenths faster qualifying than the last time at WIR. The feature came around and Ross was moving forward on the outside, but another car slowed in front halting the entire outside line. Ross dropped towards the back of the pack, but worked his way back to his starting position for a 14th place finish. This was disappointing for the team, as the car was capable of much more, Ross did all he could but the battle of track position got the best of the 05 Monte Carlo.
RZM is looking forward to the return to Dells Raceway Park. The last race at DRP Ross had a very fast racecar, but the track's curfew cut his charge towards the front. This will be Ross' 3rd time on the track, once in a Legends car, and this will be the second with Mid-Am, Check back soon for more updates and pictures!
7/5 Freedom 40- Marshfield Super Speedway, Marshfield, WI
As 3 o'clock rolled around the team was rolling into the pits at Marshfield Super Speedway, a track that Ross had never layed his eyes upon. However the team was anxious to get the car unloaded and get some laps on a track similar to Hawkeye Downs and LaCrosse, two of Ross' favorites! The mood dampened as the team struggled to get the car working through the corners at the tough half-mile. It wasn't until after qualifying the team found the problem. The jack-bolts that adjust the ride-heights had loosened up and lowered the overall height of the car, virtually eliminating the planned setup on the racecar. RZM got it fixed in time for the 40 lap, green to checkard feature. Ross started 13th and was working his way forward, around lap 15 the car lost it's perfect handling conditons. Ross later lost the positions he had gained, but held on for a 13th place finish! This 13th place finish however, was a small victory for the team as we diagnosed the problem, and got the car working in a short period of time. Thanks to Brad, Nate, Bruce, and Jill for their relentless effort to help get the 05 Chevy back to running order!
6/14 Tisler Salvage Red Race- WIR-Kaukauna, WI
Like always the 5 hour trip to Kaukauna was eventful, and worth it's while. Ross loves WIR, and was looking forward to getting back on the fast 5/8 mile track. The first practice session proved that the car was working right, and the team was back on track as Ross ran his first laps right on the bumper of eventual race winner, Jake Finney. The night was a positive one as the team had a car capable of a top 5 or better. After starting 13th in the feature Ross was up to 8th and moving forward, when the 99 of Jim Thorson tangled with another car. Ross was unable to avoid the car in front of him, and got some damage on the right front that would later prove to be fatal to a right front tire. With 5 laps to go, Ross gave up his 11th place running position, when the tire went flat. It was very dissapointing but yet a relief knowing that the car was capable of a great finish!
5/31 Duel at the Dells Pt.1- Dells Raceway Park
The team once again faced many trials and tribulations. But for the first time since 06, the team should be firing on all cylinders once again. The team chemistry has been restored, and the learning continues! RZM unloaded and was fairly fast right away, however a change before qualifying "plagued" the team as Ross made a mistake during qualifying that placed him 18th on the starting grid. Ross worked his way up to 11th position, and due to a noise curfew, the spotters were warned that one more caution would end the race. Ross was working on the 9th and 10th place cars, when he was tagged from behind. Ross was unable to save the car from spinning, and got hit in the left side. The race ended under caution and due to Mid-Am rules the two cars involved in the wreck were scored at the end of the lead lap, unfortunately an incident that was no fault to Ross, placed him in the 19th position.
5/16 Over the Hill 40- LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway
La Crosse proved to be yet a continuation of last year's bad luck. The team unloaded with high hopes, and carried them through the first practice session. The car was working perfectly, however a quick stop to check tire pressures proved to be more than bargained for. One of the power steering lines was leaking, and this cursed the team the whole night. However the crew got the car fixed in time for the heat race. Ross started on the pole and lead into the first corner, a few laps into it, a not so patient driver got into the back of Ross, sending him spinning into turn 1. Ross had to pull off due to loss of brakes. However Ross had a secured spot in the night's main event, Larry Felt worked quickly to get the brakes back to working condition. A mere 5 laps into the feature event, Ross had to pull off as he was plagued by yet another problem with the steering box.
Remaining 2008 Schedule
(Tentative Updated 9/6)
Saturday, September 13
Marshfield Super Speedway
Marshfield,WI
Saturday, September 20
Madison International Speedway
Oregon, WI
Ross has had the pleasure to attended the Finishline Racing School, to help him better understand the car. Ross was very happy with what he learned, and would very much like to thank Mike and Kristal Loescher for the opportunity!
