RYAN LITT: GET OUT THE BROOMS |
By Tommy Goudge (September 2, 2010) – London, Ontario driver Ryan Litt had last weekend off, and he’s ready to get back behind the wheel in two big events in Michigan this Friday and Saturday night. Ryan will look to go three for three this season at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan on Friday before heading to the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday. Both events will be sanctioned by the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series.
The #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Claxton-powered Beast Sprint Car has been on the shelf since a crash at Salem Speedway on August 8. Ryan spent the following Saturday as a hired gun driving for Wilshe Motorsports at Slinger, Wisconsin in a Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series event.
“Slinger was awesome…a really fun place to race,” says Ryan. “The turns are banked super high and even the straightaways have some decent banking - higher than most turns at other tracks. The fans really loved the sprint cars and are excited for us to come back.”
Ryan’s mount for the Slinger race had a 360 cubic inch engine under the hood, as opposed to the 410 engines used by most of his competitors. That didn’t stop him from running the second fastest lap of the day in time trials. Veteran Jeff Bloom was the only driver to beat Ryan’s time.
“The car was unreal at Slinger - fast right out of the trailer,” says Ryan. “We made a gear change and spring change for qualifying and had fast time with two cars to go. Bloom was one of them. Still a pretty good run, all things considered.”
The feature started out well and the car again felt good for Ryan, but problems surfaced.
“In the feature we started ninth and were running about fifth by lap twenty-five,” says Ryan. “I was just riding because of the problem I was having. The car was super fast - I was running it about 75-80% of what it had in it. I think we definitely had the car to beat.”
A hanging throttle was the culprit, and Ryan was eventually credited with a thirteenth place finish. Ryan is still fourth in the Must See Racing series points with one race left on that schedule – September 11 at the Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin.
“The problem was with the throttle being hung up,” says Ryan. “When I let off going into the corner, it would keep pulling which forced me to ride the brakes a lot, and they eventually burnt off. There was a caution and I couldn’t even run caution speed without killing the ignition. I decided I had no choice but to pull it off. I couldn't even stop for my pit - I had to circle around the pit area until I slowed down enough.”
Ryan would like to thank Don and Suellen Wilshe for the opportunity to drive their car at Slinger, and looks forward to working with them again in the future.
“I would have missed the Slinger race if it wasn't for Don calling me on the Monday after Salem,” says Ryan. “Thanks to Don and Suellen for allowing me to drive for them, and also thanks to Bill, Jenny, and Jay for helping us get the car ready to go. I also need to thank Grimes, and my grandfather Alex and for spending two days in the shop putting the car together during the week.”
Ryan will be back in the family-owned #07L machine this weekend at Dixie and Berlin. The chassis was sent away for repair, and the rest of the car required quite a bit of work after the heavy crash at Salem.
“We just got the frame back from Beast on Sunday,” says Ryan. “We got the car all back together Monday night and fired the engine on Tuesday.”
Dixie and Berlin are two of Ryan’s favourite tracks, and venues where he’s had a lot of success.
Ryan has won both AVSS races contested this year at Dixie, and is looking to make it a clean sweep for 2010 this Friday. A victory at Dixie would run Ryan’s career win total to five at the high-banked 4/10 mile.
Saturday will be Ryan’s first visit to Berlin in 2010, but it’s another place where the #07L has been to victory lane. Ryan has two career feature wins at Berlin, and always runs fast at the 7/16 mile oval.
“(I’m) hoping to win both races,” says Ryan. “We are usually really good at both tracks, so if everything goes as planned it should be a great weekend.”
WHAT
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2010 Season Rounds 7 and 8
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone: 989 624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On the Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN
Dixie Motor Speedway:
Friday, September 3, 2010
Pit Gates Open 2:00p.m. - Practice Begins 3:00p.m.
Grandstands Open 5:00p.m. - Qualifying 5:30p.m. - Racing 7:30p.m.
Berlin Raceway:
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Racing 7:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: HIRED GUN AT SLINGER |
By Tommy Goudge (August 19, 2010) – London, Ontario driver Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team were close to getting their third win of 2010 on Saturday at Salem Speedway.
Contact with a lapped machine ended Ryan’s race though, and damaged the Claxton-powered Beast chassis as well. This weekend Ryan will be driving a different car when the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series competes at Wisconsin’s Slinger Super Speedway.
Salem Speedway's high banked half mile is one of Ryan’s favourite tracks, and the day started well with Ryan qualifying sixth, winning a heat race, and leading the feature race.
“Salem went well, but we didn't have a good finish,” says Ryan. “The car was a rocket all day - one of the best I've ever had at the high banks.“
Things went from good to bad quickly in the feature, when an unfortunate incident ended Ryan's race.
“We had a huge lead in the feature when a lap car turned down on us and sent us into the fence backwards,” says Ryan. “It was a bad deal. I know we had the car to beat, and surely would have taken home the checkers.”
A bad crash has derailed the #07 team for the second year in a row, but this time the Beast chassis can be fixed rather than scrapped.
“Our car got hurt pretty bad at Salem,” says Ryan. “It hit backwards and the bottom frame rail and left side upright took the brunt of the impact. We had to strip the car and send it to Beast for repair.”
The #07 machine is out of action for a few weeks, but Ryan isn’t. Don and Suellen Wilshe called, and Ryan will drive one of their machines at Slinger. Ryan is excited about the opportunity, and happy he has a chance to maintain or improve upon his fourth place standing in the Must See Racing championship chase.
“I was lucky enough to get a call from Don Wilshe on Monday to drive one of his cars,” says Ryan. “I'll be running as a teammate to Jason Blonde with the Biobased USA Wilshe Motorsports team. I can't thank Don and Suellen enough for the opportunity to not only race, but race in good equipment. Hopefully things go well and we can continue to work together in the future.”
The event at Slinger is the first for winged Sprint Cars at the high-banked quarter mile oval. The legendary track has produced such racing stars as Dick Trickle, Alan Kulwicki, and Matt Kenseth. History will likely be made in Saturday's qualifying session, as a new world record lap for a quarter mile oval should be set.
“I've heard a lot of good things about Slinger, and can't wait to race there,” says Ryan. “(I’m) looking for a really strong run to rebound after the Salem deal.“
WHAT:
Must See Racing Extreme Sprint Series 2010 Season Race #7
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE:
Slinger Super Speedway
280 Cedar Creek Road
Slinger, WI 53086
Phone: 262 644-5921
On The Web: www.SlingerSuperSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Practice @ 3:00 p.m., Qualifying @ 5:00 p.m., Autograph Session @ 6:00 p.m., Opening Ceremonies and Racing @ 6:30 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: STUDYING SALEM
|
By Tommy Goudge (August 13, 2010) - Ryan Litt and his London, Ontario-based #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Beast/Claxton Sprint Car team will be back in action again this Saturday at Indiana’s Salem Speedway in another Must See Racing Extreme Sprint Series event.
Ryan recorded his second Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints feature win of the season last Friday night at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan. Ryan has won both Sprint Car events held at Dixie in 2010, and has a chance to sweep all three when the AVSS series returns on Labour Day weekend.
“We always look forward to going to Dixie,” says Ryan. “It is one of our best tracks and we have a lot of loyal fans that watch us there.”
Ryan enters this Saturday’s Must See Racing series event at Salem fifth in the tour points standings with three races left on the schedule. Salem is another of Ryan's favourite tracks, and he's looking forward to getting back there after a blown engine at the high-banked track in May. Ryan has two career runner-up finishes at the Southern Indiana track. The prestigious "Joe James/Pat O'Connor Memorial" event also features the USAC National Sprint Car series.
Ryan’s last Must See Racing series event came at the Kalamazoo Speedway on July 17, where he finished sixth after leading much of the race. Fellow London-area driver Mike Ling got the win at the fast three-eighths mile track.
“We never really had the car fast,” says Ryan. “Ling’s car was hooked from the first lap of the day. If it was a normal thirty lapper I had them covered, but I think I burnt my tires off working in and out of the lap cars. I was in fourth until the last restart (when) I tried passing Bloom for third and the lap cars all got together in front of us and we had to check up, then Miniea and McCune got by.”
Ryan recently had the opportunity to hang out with some special kids attending summer camp at Banting Secondary School in London.
“I had a great time at Banting talking to the kids about sprint car racing,” says Ryan. “They had a lot of questions and really dug the autographed pictures and props we brought in!”
Last weekend the ISMA Supermodified tour visited Ryan’s home track at Delaware Speedway. Unfortunately Dave Lair’s “Lair Jet” - Ryan’s regular ride for the event - is on the shelf with a blown engine, and Ryan wasn’t able to find another seat.
“Unfortunately we were unable to put together a deal to run the ISMA races at Delaware, so I didn't compete this year,” says Ryan. “We’re still working on a ride for the later races though.”
The Salem event will be taped for later broadcast on Comcast in over ninety million U.S. households, and will also be available online on-demand on the Must See Racing website.
WHAT:
Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series 2010 Season round #6
"Joe James/Pat O'Connor Memorial" @ Salem Speedway
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE:
Salem Speedway
2658 State Route 56
Salem, IN 47167
On the Web: www.SalemSpeedway.com
Phone: 812 883-6504 or Toll Free 888 246-7223
WHEN:
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Pit Gates Open @ 12:30 p.m., Time Trials @ 5:30 p.m., Racing @ 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: WINNING WEEKEND, AND A TRIP TO THE ZOO! |
by Tommy Goudge (July 15, 2010) - London Ontario's Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiatior/OTC Tools Sprint Car team spent their holiday weekend at the races, and came away with their first feature win of the season. After a weekend off, they're ready to get back on track and continue their streak of good runs this Saturday.
Friday, July 2nd found Ryan and the team at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan for an Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series event. Ryan started the night by qualifying second in the time trial session with a 12.492 second lap.
Jason Blonde had the lead in the feature with a few laps to go when Chad Goff blew his engine and brought out a caution flag. On the restart, Ryan was able to get by Jason for his first feature win of the season.
"It was a great weekend for us. The Dixie race was unreal...it was the hardest I've ever worked for a win," says Ryan. "We got lucky with the caution and I was able to jump in front of Jay after a good two lap side by side battle with three laps to go."
Although he's raced against multiple-time Sprint Car champion Jason Blonde and many other talented racers for quite a few years now, Ryan still gets a thrill out of racing with them.
"(Jason) is one of the most underrated drivers out there, so it was a big thrill to race wheel-to-wheel with him, and eventually make the pass," says Ryan. "There is nothing better than good hard racing and it makes it even better when you can do it with a talented driver who you know will race you clean."
Ryan qualified fourth the next night at Owosso Speedway, and started seventh in the thirty lap feature. He made his way to the front, but row five starters Jeff Bloom and Jason Blonde were fast as well. Bloom took the feature win with Blonde second and Ryan third.
"We had a good run at Owosso," says Ryan. "Definitely didn't have the best car but it was still a strong run for us. I think maybe with a caution it would have been a close battle between Bloom, Jay and myself."
A huge crowd turned up for the Owosso event, and it was announced a second AVSS event will be held at the mid-Michigan track in August.
"I also have to mention that Owosso had one of the fullest grandstands I have ever seen," says Ryan. "I literally couldn't spot one open seat - that's awesome!"
This weekend Ryan and the BS&B team head to Kalamazoo Speedway in Kalamazoo, Michigan for the fifth round of the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series season. Ryan heads into the weekend ranked fifth in series points. Ryan has competed in just one prior event at "The Zoo", a high-banked three-eighths mile track. That event was back in 2006, and Ryan finished fourteenth, while another race was rained out the same year.
"I don't have much experience at Kalamazoo, but we seem to really have the car working good lately," says Ryan. "Hopefully we can get it locked down early on and make some small adjustments. It is a small track so I think once again starting position is going to be a factor, as the field is really close in speed this year. It really takes a good car to come from mid pack to the front."
Ryan is looking for a Supermodified ride for the Sandusky Hy-Miler Nationals coming up next weekend, and Delaware Classic Weekend in August. If interested, please contact ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com.
WHAT
"Must See Racing 50"
Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series 2010 Season Round #5
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE
Kalamazoo Speedway
7656 Ravine Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Race Day Phone: 269 349-3978
On the Web: www.kalamazoospeedway.com
WHEN
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Pit Gates Open @ 12:30, Time Trials @ 5:15, Racing @ 7:00
Adults $20, Teens $15, Kids $5
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: BACK TO MICHIGAN |
By Tommy Goudge (June 30, 2010) – Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team had a good run at Auto City Speedway on Saturday night in the MustSeeRacing.com Xtreme Sprint Series event. This weekend they’re looking forward to racing at two tracks where they’ve had success in the past.
The day started off well at Auto City with Ryan running the second fastest time in practice. Despite a tight condition in time trials, Ryan’s lap of 12.967 seconds was good enough for quick time at the uniquely-shaped 7/16’s mile track. Rain delayed the event for two hours just as Ryan’s twenty lap qualifying race was about to start.
As high point-getter through time trials and heat races, Ryan started tenth in the qualifying race and made it to eight by the end. After another inversion, Ryan started sixth in the twenty lap feature and went to work trying to move up.
A restart on lap twelve found Ryan making contact with Troy DeCaire in turn two, which allowed Mike Ling to sneak by both drivers and into third. The move was negated when a spin by another competitor brought the caution back out before the lap was complete. The next restart found Ryan and fellow Canadian Ling dicing for the fourth spot.
“I noticed (Troy) slow up so I tried going to the outside and my left front clipped his bumper,” says Ryan. “I just was too loose coming off (the corners) to do anything, but I was able to slip by Ling.”
Ryan was not able to make up any more ground before the twenty lap feature ended, and settled for a fourth place finish.
“I think because everyone’s tires were old, and because of the rain the track was real slick,” says Ryan, “So clean air definitely helped out big time.”
This weekend the team will travel back to the Flint area for Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series events at the 4/10 mile Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan Friday, July 2nd, and Owosso, Michigan’s 3/8 mile Owosso Speedway Saturday, July 3rd.
Ryan has competed in twelve features at the high banked Dixie track, including two feature wins. Some of Ryan’s first winged Sprint Car races came at Dixie, and since getting his first top five finish there on September 8, 2006, Ryan has finished no worse than seventh – a streak of eight races.
“I’m looking forward to Dixie,” says Ryan. “We always run good and they always have a large crowd. The configuration of the track always provides some of the best racing all year long. Everyone has stepped up their game this year so fans are guaranteed to see a great night of racing.”
Ryan has competed twice at Owosso, including a feature win last year. Prior to that, he experienced mechanical problems in August 2006 and missed the feature.
“We plan to run Owosso, depending on how our night goes Friday,” says Ryan. “Last year was really my first time racing there and we pulled off a win, so we're definitely looking to repeat. It's one of the tracks that is tough to pass at, so we'll be looking for a good starting spot to get into that clean air right away.”
WHAT
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2010 Season Rounds 3 and 4
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone: 989 624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On The Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
Owosso Speedway
7204 West M-21
Ovid, Michigan 48866-9524
Phone: 989 834-5948
On the Web: www.OwossoSpeedway.com
WHEN
Dixie Motor Speedway:
Friday, July 2, 2010
Pit Gates Open 2:00p.m. - Practice Begins 3:00p.m.
Grandstands Open 5:00p.m. - Qualifying 5:15p.m. - Racing 7:30p.m.
Owosso Speedway:
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Pit Gates Open 12:00p.m.
Grandstands Open / Tailgating Starts 12:00p.m. Practice Begins 2:00p.m. Qualifying 5:00p.m. - Racing 7:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: TOLEDO RUNNER-UP, AUTO CITY NEXT |
by Tommy Goudge (June 24, 2010) – Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team were in action at Toledo Speedway’s “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” on Friday, June 11, and came away pleased with a second place finish in the Sprint Car division.
The day began with Ryan qualifying third in Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series time trials with a lap of 12.85 seconds around the high-banked half mile. Derek Snyder took fast time honours and also set a new track record at 12.65, well over 140 MPH.
“We had a really good car at Toledo,” says Ryan. “It was at the top of the charts all day. We were a tick tight in qualifying but still good enough to lock down third place. Congratulations to Derek and family for setting the new track record, it couldn't go to a more deserving bunch.”
Toledo has always been a good track for Ryan and the team, and they had high hopes for the feature race.
“We started fourth in the feature and moved into third on the first lap,” says Ryan. “I was really concentrating on trying to keep the tires under me so I could charge to the front near the end, but I think I waited a little too long. I was passing for second and slid high and (Jason) Blonde slipped by. I knew once he got to the lead he'd be gone, so I turned it up after that and got into second behind him.”
The race came down to the last few laps, and Ryan was going hard trying to get his first win of the season. Veteran driver and multi-time sprint car champion Jason Blonde was in front of him.
“We caught him in traffic with a few laps to go,” says Ryan. “The racing was really tight - the cars move around in dirty air a lot, so it definitely got wild with under five (laps) to go. We closed up the gap to about a car length and then got stuck behind two lapped cars who were racing each other. Overall it was a good night for us and hopefully the end of our bad luck that we've had throughout the year.”
Ryan also drove the #70 Supermodified for owner Gary Morton of Stouffville, Ontario at Toledo, as the Midwest Supermodified Association was in competition.
“I had a lot of fun running Gary’s super,” says Ryan. “It's always tough jumping in a new car for the first time and expecting to run with the regulars, but we were doing alright until the motor expired with two (laps) to go. Gotta thank Gary for hiring me to run his car - it was a blast.”
Supermodifieds and Sprints rarely run on the same night at the same track. Ryan relished the opportunity to do both at Toledo.
“It was one of the most humid days we've had yet, so running two cars was definitely a good workout,” says Ryan of doing double duty. “I don't think I had more than 10 minutes of rest all night, besides the rain delay. I love it though - the more laps I can turn, the better.”
Last weekend, Ryan had plans of travelling to Florida to compete for the DeCaire Motorsports team at Desoto Speedway. A bad forecast cancelled those plans, so Ryan’s next race will now be this Saturday, June 26 at Auto City Speedway near Flint, Michigan for round number four of the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series season. Ryan has competed in five career events at the unique 7/16 mile oval, compiling one top five, three top tens, and one fast time award. His best feature finish at Auto City is fourth, on May 10, 2008.
“Auto City isn't one of my favorite tracks,” says Ryan, “But with this new format it should make it pretty exciting. It's usually a tough track to pass on, so hopefully we have some good luck and can start near the front.”
Auto City was once a hub of open wheel activity, but had just two open wheel races on the schedule last year (one of which fell to rain), and none for the 410 Sprints. This Saturday’s event is the only open wheel race scheduled this season at the track. A good purse – including $3,000 to the winner – has been posted, and an extra $1,000 will be added if the winner accepts the challenge of starting at the tail. A unique format is in place for the race, with time trials, heat races, twenty lap qualifying races, and a twenty lap feature scheduled. The race will also be taped for television broadcast, and a full pit area and large crowd are expected.
“With the increase in purse, and with the bonus, all of us drivers will be pushing it extra hard and raising the bar,” says Ryan. “I wouldn't be surprised to see another track record broken, and fans can be sure to catch a lot of side by side racing.”
WHAT
“Must See Twin 20’s”
MustSeeRacing.com Xtreme Sprint Series 2010 Season Round #4
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE
Auto City Speedway
10205 North Saginaw Road
Clio, MI 48420-1681, United States
Phone: (810) 687-7384 or (810) 686-9500
e-mail: racetrackinfo@aol.com
On The Web: www.AutoCitySpeedway.com
WHEN
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Pit Gates open @ 12:30 p.m., Practice @ 2:30 p.m., Spectator Gates open @ 4:00 p.m., Qualifying @ 5:15 p.m., Racing @ 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
Ryan Litt: Double Duty |
by Tommy Goudge (June 8, 2010) - Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Beast/Claxton Sprint Car team didn't have the week they'd hoped for in Indiana. They're hoping moving East to Ohio will change their luck this weekend.
The week in Indiana started on Sunday, May 23 at Winchester Speedway. After running the 10th fastest lap in qualifying and 5th in his heat, Ryan started the feature in 10th. He was up to 3rd and challenging for 2nd when a magneto problem forced him out of the race.
Two days of practice at Anderson Speedway followed, then it was time for another race - the Must See Racing 60 at Anderson. Ryan qualified the #07L in 4th, and held on in the feature for a 4th place finish.
The Little 500 is the biggest race of the year for many drivers and teams, including Ryan and the #07L team. Qualifying went very well for the team as Ryan ran the 4th fastest time on Pole Day (Thursday) to lock into the field on the inside of row 2.
When the race started on Saturday night May 29, Ryan looked very good in the early going, moving up to 2nd by lap 130. Pit stops are not a regular part of Sprint Car racing, and when the team pitted on lap 130, problems in the pits cost the team time on the track. A broken rocker arm also caused problems, and Ryan ended up 9th when the checkered flag flew.
"After somewhat of a disappointing Little 500 week I'm really looking to run strong at Toledo," says Ryan. "Our cars always work good there, so hopefully we can crack the setup in first practice and fine tune it for final practice."
Ryan and the #07L team get back to action this Friday night at Toledo Speedway in the annual "Fastest Short Track Show in the World", featuring the Auto Value Super Sprints series and Midwest Supermodified Association/Oswego Speedway challenge series. Ryan will be competing in both ends of the doubleheader evening.
"Toledo is without a doubt my favorite racetrack," says Ryan. "It's lightning fast, smooth, and they always pack the stands. Hopefully we get a good crowd because this year's field of sprint cars will be the most competitive ever - I wouldn't be surprised to see a few cars under the track record."
Ryan was on his way to running one of the fastest laps of the day in time trials at Toledo last year when the left rear wheel broke off and sent him into the wall.
"I think we are going to be one of the cars to beat," says Ryan. "We have been fast at every track so far this year, but have been riddled with bad luck."
Ryan will be doing double duty this Friday, competing not only in his Sprint Car, but also in the #70 Supermodified owned by Gary Morton of Stouffville, Ontario.
"Gary called us this week about driving for him, and obviously we jumped at the opportunity," says Ryan. "We are going to run the #70 at Toledo, and if things go well at Lorain (Ohio) on Saturday as well."
Ryan hasn't been behind the wheel of a Supermodified since August last year.
"I'm excited to get back behind the wheel of a Supermodified," says Ryan. "I have been looking for a ride this year, so hopefully we can run good and get some more offers on the table, as this deal is only for this weekend."
While Ryan has driven Supermodifieds in the past,
"The first step for me is just getting strapped in and getting comfortable, getting used to the way the car reacts. Then we will work on getting some speed out of it."
Ryan has done double duty more than once in the past, and always enjoys the experience.
"The two cars are very different to drive, so it will definitely take a few laps to adjust," says Ryan. "I love jumping back and forth between cars. You don't have any down time, (and) all you're thinking about is how to go faster in whatever you're driving."
WHAT:
"The Fastest Short Track Show in the World"
featuring the MSA/Oswego Supermodified Challenge series round #1,
and Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series round #2.
WHERE:
Toledo Speedway
5639 Benore Road
Toledo, Ohio 43612
Phone: (419)-727-1100
On the Web: www.ArcaRacing.com
WHEN:
Friday June 11, 2010
Practice @ 3:00 p.m., Time Trials @ 5:00 p.m., Racing @ 7:30 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT - SIDELINED AT SALEM; WINCHESTER NEXT |
By Tommy Goudge (May 20, 2010) – Ryan Litt and the #07L BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team started their 2010 season at Salem Speedway on Saturday, May 8, but a promising start to the feature race ended with Ryan on the sidelines with a blown engine. The London, Ontario-based team has re-loaded and they’re ready for the busiest week of their season, which begins this Sunday, May 23 at Winchester Speedway.
The Salem weekend did not begin well for Ryan and the team when they were stopped in Michigan with what turned out to be an oversized tow rig.
“We just failed to realize there was a difference in Commercial & RV laws,” says Ryan. “Commercial is eighty feet and RV is sixty-five feet in Michigan only. Indiana’s RV law is seventy-five feet. Just about none of our competitors knew this either.”
After returning to London and borrowing a truck and trailer - with many thanks to ISMA Supermodified racer Mark Sammut and his father Tony - the team hit the road for Salem again. Once there, however, things didn’t improve as Ryan mustered only the eighth best time trial lap.
“The entire trip was just one of those deals you can’t do much about,” says Ryan. “In practice and qualifying the car was just too tight. I couldn’t quite flat-foot it - had to just burp it in (turns) three and four.”
More problems came about as the field was forming up for Ryan’s heat race - a pivotal part of the night because of the large field of competitive cars and drivers on hand for the inaugural Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint series race.
“In the heat race I was supposed to start third,” says Ryan. “I was adjusting the wing to where I wanted it and it got stuck all the way back, so I stopped to see if my dad could push it forward. He couldn’t but because I stopped I went to the rear. The handling was horrible because the down-force was all towards the rear, but I managed to pass for the transfer (to the feature race) on the last lap.”
Some repairs and setup changes before the feature resulted in a much better car, and Ryan made his way through the pack quickly. Just as he was challenging for the lead, the engine blew up in a big way. Still, there were positives to take out of the weekend for Ryan and the team.
“In the feature it was unreal...so fast,” says Ryan. “I think it’s going to be a better car than our original was. We just need to tweak the setup a little bit. I think we had a really good shot at winning that thing. Our car was handling amazing, and I was able to really carry the momentum around the corners ”
Ryan and the #07L team are currently seeking additional sponsorship. They will be following the entire Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series tour this season, with all races broadcast on Comcast television and distributed to eighty million households.
“Not only do we need a major rebuild or new engine, we have to buy a smaller trailer or truck,” says Ryan. “Even just a tire sponsor would help, or hotels paid for. All that little stuff adds up over the course of a year.”
Up next for Ryan and the team is a return to the legendary Winchester Speedway this Sunday, May 23. Winchester is another high-banked, high-speed half mile track like Salem, and the team is excited to get to the track, and start their busy week off on the right foot.
"Like I tell everyone, this week coming up is my most favorite of the entire year," says Ryan. "If you like open wheel racing, and lots of it, then Indy and surrounding area (in May) is the place to be. It's just so awesome waking up every day and knowing your entire day is going to be filled with racing in one way or another."
Ryan qualified fourth for last year’s “King of Wings” event before tire problems ruined a good run in the feature.
"I'm looking forward to Winchester," says Ryan. "I feel like we finally have a good car to go there. We always seemed to struggle with having a strong enough race car - something always broke or gave way. The immense g-force (at Winchester) put a lot of strain on the equipment, but we're going there with the strongest car we've ever had. I'm looking to run strong at Winchester and carry the momentum to Anderson and the Little 500."
WHAT:
Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series Round #2 – Sixth Annual “King of Wings”
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE:
Winchester Speedway
2656 W State Road 32
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: 765-584-9701
Fax: 765-584-8111
e-mail: info@winchesterspeedway.com
On The Web: www.WinchesterSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pit Gates Open @ 8:30 a.m., Spectator Gates Open @ 10:00 a.m., Sprint Car Practice @ 11:05 a.m., Sprint Car Time Trials @ 1:15 p.m., Racing @ 2:00 p.m.
Adult Admission $15, Students Age 9-18 $8
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: MUST SEE AT SALEM |
by Tommy Goudge (May 6, 2010) – Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team are all geared up and ready for a trip to Southern Indiana this Saturday, May 8. While the twenty-three year old London, Ontario resident competed in four February events in Florida with the TBARA series, Saturday’s event at Salem Speedway marks the beginning of his and the team’s “regular season”.
When Ryan hits the track with the #07 Claxton powered Beast chassis on Saturday, it will be with a brand new sanctioning body called the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series. Ryan and the team are excited to be a part of the new series, with television coverage in sixty million households thanks to Comcast.
“This is one of our most anticipated seasons to date,” says Ryan. “We are starting 2010 off with a brand new car, new paint scheme, and (we’re) competing in a new series. My goal for the year is to win races and run consistently. Hopefully with the added exposure of television, we can attract more fans to our sport, and pick up sponsors.”
Ryan and the team are hoping to get back to contending for wins after a sub-par end to their 2009 season.
“Last year was going to end up one of our better years, but the wreck at Toledo in June which destroyed our primary car really hurt us,” recalls Ryan. “We were forced to run our backup car which we had no time with. It turns out that (backup) frame was a copy and some of the key components were modified, which is one reason we struggled so much to get it consistent.”
Ryan and the team spent the off-season preparing a brand new car for the 2010 season, and testing last month showed the new mount has promise.
“I’m hoping our new car will be fast right out of the trailer (at Salem),” says Ryan. “We tested at Delaware Speedway in April, and on old tires from last year we were only three tenths off our current track record. It felt good and comfortable so let’s hope it translates well to the high banks.”
Ryan has competed three times at the ultra high-banked .555 mile Salem Speedway before, twice with a wing over his head. In each of those winged races, he finished 2nd.
"Salem has always been a really good track for us," says Ryan. "In my mind we should have won there last year, but Chad (Goff) started up front and took off from the pack. I closed the gap to about half a straightaway in the late stages of the race. Going into Saturday I just want to have a strong qualifying run, and get a good starting spot for the race, and hopefully come out on top."
WHAT:
Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series 2010 Season round #1
"Winged Sprint Spectacular" @ Salem Speedway
www.MustSeeRacing.com
WHERE:
2658 State Route 56
Salem, IN 47167
On the Web: www.SalemSpeedway.com
Phone: 812 883-6504 or Toll Free 888 246-7223
WHEN:
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Gates Open @ 3:00 p.m., Qualifying @ 5:45 p.m., Racing @ 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Xtreme Metal Worx.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we'll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you're a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching "Ryan Litt".
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: KICKING OFF 2010 IN FLORIDA |
by Tommy Goudge (February 6, 2010) – London, Ontario racer Ryan Litt kicks off his 2010 season this weekend with a trip to Florida. Ryan will be back behind the wheel of the DeCaire Motorsports/Dirt Devil’s Speedway #41 for four races in eight days at three different venues with the Tampa Bay Area Racing Association Sprint Car series.
First up on Saturday night, February 7 is a date at Citrus County Speedway, where Ryan finished his 2009 season in November. On Sunday and Monday the teams will move to New Smyrna Speedway near Daytona Beach to take part in two rounds of the track's annual World Series events. Next weekend it will be on to Desoto Speedway near Tampa for a Saturday night event.
“I feel really good going into Citrus,” says Ryan. “I know the track pretty well now and Terry (DeCaire) has been putting a lot of time into the car, so we should be good right out of the trailer.”
Ryan’s first visit to Citrus County didn’t produce great results, but it’s a track he now feels comfortable with after getting a race under his belt at the three-eighths mile.
“There isn't a lot of opportunity for passing at Citrus, so I will be looking to get a good draw and start up front,” says Ryan. “Another positive is that I won't have to start at the tail end (of heat races) any longer since I’ve run two TBARA races now. That should help us a lot.”
While Citrus County isn’t new to Ryan, the New Smyrna half mile and Desoto's three-eighths mile track will be.
“I'm really pumped to race at New Smyrna,” says Ryan. “I have been told it's a really fast track, and will suit my driving style.”
A lot goes into making a trip like this possible, and Ryan has many people he’d like to thank:
“I have to thank the whole DeCaire family - they have been really accommodating to me, letting me stay with them and picking me up at the airport,” says Ryan. “They are a great family and I'm really happy to be driving for them. I also owe a big thanks to BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools, and Huron Produce. They’ve sponsored my trip. Without them I would not be able to do this!"
Lots of preparation is already underway for the racing season up North as well. The new Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series is taking shape, and has many pavement sprint car racers excited for spring time.
“Once we get back from this trip we will be putting all of our time and effort into getting our new car ready for the opening MSR race at Salem,” says Ryan. “We are taking this year very seriously and we will be looking to be a contender at each event - hopefully coming out as the Xtreme Sprints Champion."
The prize Ryan really has his eyes on is the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. It will be the sixty-second running of the famous race, and the sixth one for Ryan as a driver.
"I'm looking for a good run at the Little 500. Each year we learn more and more. I think this year with our new car we will be one of the teams to beat."
Plans for driving other types of race cars are coming together as well, including a possible first race for Ryan at a special track to him.
“If all things go as planned we may be at Oswego Speedway on Labour Day," says Ryan.
WHAT:
Tampa Bay Area Racing Association 2010 Season Rounds 1 - 4
www.TBARA.net
WHERE:
Citrus County Speedway
(Citrus County Fairgrounds)
3600 S Florida Ave
Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: 352 726-9339
On The Web: www.CitrusCountySpeedway.com
New Smyrna Speedway
3939 SR 44
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Phone: 386 427-4129
Fax: 386 426-1611
On The Web: www.NewSmyrnaSpeedway.org
e-mail: feedback@fascar.org
Desoto Super Speedway
21000A SR 64
Bradenton, FL 34212
Phone: 941 748-3171
Fax: 941 746-3424
On The Web: www.DesotoSuperSpeedway.com
e-mail: staff@DesotoSuperSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Citrus County Speedway – February 6, 2010. Racing @ 5:00 p.m.
New Smyrna Speedway – February 7 & 8, 2010. Racing Sunday @ 4:00 p.m., Monday @ 7:30 p.m.
Desoto Super Speedway – February 13, 2010. Racing @ 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during the 2010 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want to be an insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt Racing news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing pages by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed recently, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: BOUND FOR THE SUNNY SOUTH |
By Tommy Goudge (November 5, 2009) – While many area sprint car racers are finished for the year, Ryan Litt still has two more events left on his calendar. The twenty-two year old will make the trip from London, Ontario to Concord, North Carolina this weekend for the North/South Shootout on November 7, before finishing his season at Florida’s Citrus County Speedway on November 14.
Ryan will race in both events behind the wheel of a DeCaire Motorsports entry as a teammate to Tampa Bay Area Racing Association champion Troy DeCaire.
“(I’m) looking forward to the road trip, and really excited to be driving for Terry DeCaire,” says Ryan. “Hopefully we can get the car working good, and put it up front. It will be a bit of a change running a different car – I’m hoping to get comfortable in it quickly.”
The North/South Shootout event at Concord is now in its seventh year, and features one of the biggest races of the year for NASCAR tour-type modifieds, along with the CRA Super Series and the TBARA Sprint Cars.
“It should be a really big event,” says Ryan. “They have some good classes running with us, like Modifieds and Late Models, and from what I hear it's a really nice facility.”
Concord is indeed an excellent facility with seating for 8,500 along with many other amenities, and it’s also a unique challenge for the racers. The half mile track is a tri-oval and produces very high speeds.
“It does look like a tricky track to figure out with the dog leg down the back stretch,” says Ryan. “I'm sure after a few hard laps we'll be close.”
After the Concord event, a few days of rest and relaxation in Florida are in store before Ryan gets behind the wheel of a sprint car one last time in 2009.
“From Concord we are going down to the Tampa area to hang out for a few days, and then we’re running a TBARA race at Citrus County Speedway,” says Ryan. “From what I hear (Citrus County Speedway) is a tight bullring. I like that close-quarters racing, but I realize a lot of it has to do with starting position and luck so we'll hope for the best.”
While Ryan has competed against some of the regular TBARA drivers when they’ve traveled up north, these events will mark the first time he has competed with the TBARA series. Both tracks are also new venues for Ryan, and he’ll be competing for the first time in both states.
“There are some really tough drivers in TBARA and some really strong cars,” says Ryan. “I really hope we can show up well, build off this and run more often down south next year. I have to thank my family and all my sponsors for the support on this trip - I couldn't do it without them.”
WHAT:
Tampa Bay Area Racing Association Rounds #13 and #14
- 7th Annual North/South Shootout @ Concord Motorsport Park
- TBARA Season Finale @ Citrus County Speedway
www.TBARA.net
WHERE:
Concord Speedway
(Concord Motorsport Park)
7940 U.S. Hwy 601 South
Concord, NC 28025
Phone: 704 782-4221
Fax: 704 782-4420
E-Mail: lthomas@concordmotorsportpark.com
On The Web: www.ConcordMotorsportPark.com
Citrus County Speedway
(Citrus County Fairgrounds)
3600 S Florida Ave
Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: 352 726-9339
On The Web: www.CitrusCountySpeedway.com
WHEN:
North/South Shootout @ Concord
Thursday November 5 to Saturday November 7, 2009.
Practice Thursday, Qualifying and Heats Friday, Racing Saturday starting @ 1:15 p.m.
TBARA Season Finale @ Citrus County
Saturday, November 14, 2009. Racing starting @ 5:30 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want to be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown!
If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
Please visit www.DeCaireMotorsports.com for more information on DeCaire Motorsports and Troy DeCaire.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's Linton Media-powered official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: STEERING STRUGGLES |
by Tommy Goudge (October 5, 2009) – Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Beast/Claxton Sprint Car team made the trip West to Michigan’s Berlin Raceway to compete in the final Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints event of 2009 last Saturday, September 26. A good start to the day gave way to frustration as the night wore on, although the London, Ontario-based team did salvage a seventh place feature finish.
Normally a successful venue for Ryan and the team, the fast seven-sixteenths mile fairgrounds oval threw a curveball at the teams last week. Despite being nearly half a second off his personal best qualifying lap at Berlin, Ryan was still near the top of the speed charts.
“We were fourth quick in the first practice, second quick in the second practice, and 3rd in qualifying (13.328 seconds),” says Ryan. “The track was real loose all day and seemed slow. We had a tough time getting a hold of it. The heat race is when the problems started...I went into the corner and the steering locked up, so I pulled it off.”
Weather compounded the problem even more, as track and series officials hurried the program along with rain in the area. Ryan was scheduled to start seventh in the feature.
“We only had twenty minutes before we were up for our feature because the rain was coming,” says Ryan. “The crew changed steering boxes and we barely made it out there...The problem stayed the same. I centre the tape on the wheel before I go out, and once the race started, the tape had to be at nine o’clock for the car to be going straight and at six o’clock to make it turn. We started seventh but on the first lap I think five or six guys passed me because I had no idea what the steering was going to do. I limped home to a seventh place finish with no power steering and an out of alignment steering system. We think it’s either the power steering pump or the wing valve.”
Derek Snyder claimed the win in the thirty lap feature, his first in Sprint Car competition and a milestone Ryan appreciates.
“I'm really happy for Derek and his whole family,” says Ryan. “They have struggled so much with that motor. They’re a really nice family and it's awesome for him to get a big win to end the season in front of his family and friends.”
A pair of crashes took the #07 team out of the running for this year’s AVSS championship, but they know they are capable of contending for the title. Ryan in fact led the points into June’s event at Toledo, when a serious crash in qualifying set him back. Officially Ryan finished fourth in the AVSS championship chase for 2009 with one feature win and seven top five finishes in twelve events. The win was Ryan’s first at Owosso Speedway, the fifth different track where he’s won a Sprint Car feature, and extended his streak of seasons with at least one feature win to four in a row. Other season highlights for Ryan included a second consecutive top five finish in the Little 500, and the promising debut of the new Lair Jet Supermodified at Delaware Speedway.
“After last season, I really thought coming into this year we were going to be the car to beat at every event,” says Ryan. “We started off strong - no wins but we were always one of the fastest cars…The Toledo deal really hurt us and took the wind out of our sail. Not only did we fall from first to ninth in points but we lost our car that we had worked so many hours on getting just right. It was a bad deal and we had to get our other car ready to go which we had never run with a wing on. It worked out OK considering what we were up against but it was nowhere near the year we hoped for.”
While the AVSS schedule is now finished, Ryan’s racing season is probably not over. Plans are in the works for Ryan to compete in Florida over the winter, and possibly head overseas as well. Ryan and the team are also looking ahead to 2010 already.
“I’m looking forward to the off season,” says Ryan. “I’m planning on travelling and running some races down south, and setting up things for next season. Our plans for next season are to sell this current car, buy a new 2010 Beast chassis, and do the same deal as this year. Next year is going to be a big year for pavement sprint car racing…hopefully we can continue to grow and become a bigger group.”
Ryan and the team would like to send well wishes to fellow Canadian sprint car racer Travis Rutz and his family. Travis suffered severe injuries in a crash at the Terre Haute Action Track last Sunday night and remains in an Indianapolis hospital at the time of this writing. For updates and information on how you can donate to the Rutz family to help with medical costs, please visit www.TravisRutz.com.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want to be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
Media Contact:
Tommy Goudge
PR Manager
www.RyanLitt.com
Phone: 519 319-0051
e-mail: tommygoudge@hotmail.com
|
RYAN LITT: BERLIN REPEAT? |
by Tommy Goudge (September 24, 2009) – Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team hope to end the 2009 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints schedule on a high note at Berlin Raceway this Saturday night. One year ago at Berlin, Litt had one of the best nights of his sprint car career as he dominated his heat race and the thirty lap feature in the AVSS season finale.
After a busy first half of the season that saw the team build some momentum, July, August, and September have seen Ryan racing only sporadically, with large breaks in the AVSS schedule. Ryan’s last visit to Berlin on September 5 started out with some promise as the #07 was at the top of the heap in time trials with a lap of 12.87 (just 0.06 seconds off the track record), and took a heat race win, but the feature resulted in a disappointing seventh place finish.
Overall, Berlin has been a successful venue for Ryan, as he has two feature wins and six top fives in twelve career starts at the fast seven-sixteenths mile oval. Ryan and the #07 team head into the weekend fourth in AVSS points, despite a couple of major crashes that have put a damper on their championship chances.
“I’m just going there to try and break the track record and win the race,” says Ryan. “I’m not looking for anything else. We can't really move up in points, so we’ve got nothing to lose...”
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2009 Season Round #12
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Racing starts @ 6:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want to be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: DUELING AT DIXIE AND “LAIR JET” DEBUT AT DELAWARE |
by Tommy Goudge (August 6, 2009) – After a month off, Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools racing team gets back to action in a big way this weekend, with two events in two different divisions. On Friday night August 7, the team will get back in action in the chase for the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) series championship at Dixie Motor Speedway, while Saturday night will find Ryan behind the wheel of a brand new Dave Lair-built Supermodified in ISMA competition at Delaware Speedway.
Ryan and the team finished off a busy portion of their schedule with an AVSS feature win at Michigan’s Owosso Speedway, which came just a few weeks after a devastating crash at Toledo that destroyed the team’s primary car. Located in Birch Run, Michigan, Dixie Motor Speedway has been a good track for Ryan and the team recently. In three events last season at the high banked four-tenths mile oval, Ryan claimed two feature wins and a second place finish, while his last visit there on July 3 this season resulted in a fourth place finish.
“It's great to be getting back to racing, and even better to be coming back to Dixie - one of my favorite tracks,” says Ryan. “We are all really excited to get back after the win at Owosso. That was a big moral booster. We’ve made some minor changes to the car so hopefully we can continue our winning ways at Dixie.”
The time off allowed Ryan and the team to regroup, work on the car, and enjoy racing from a fan perspective for awhile.
“I did enjoy the time off as I got to catch some World of Outlaws action,” says Ryan. “They really put on a good show at Ohsweken Speedway…the crowd was good and the fans were really into the speed of the sprint cars, which is a good thing for open wheel guys. We need to attract new fans in Ontario, and I think they are accomplishing that out there with a nicely run facility.”
Stay tuned for news on a possible return to Ohsweken by Ryan later in the month, this time as a driver!
Meanwhile, Ryan is also excited to get behind the wheel of the new “Lair Jet” on Saturday night at Delaware. Ryan drove the previous Dave Lair owned-machine to a career best Supermodified division finish of second at Delaware in 2007, and a new chassis should help the chances of another good finish.
“Dave has really poured his heart and soul into this new car,” says Ryan, “Hopefully there aren't too many bugs to work out and we can give him a good finish. He has really worked hard to give me a competitive car, and I can't thank him enough for the opportunity. Check Facebook for pics - It’s a pretty sweet ride!”
Delaware is located just outside of the team’s home base of London, Ontario, and is a favourite venue for Ryan and the team as they get to race in front of hometown fans.
“I hope to see a lot of fans out at Delaware to support the group,” says Ryan. “It will be an awesome show, and with that new pavement down, there should be some quick laps. I’m interested to see what kind of times we will be running - I think there will be a few guys under my (sprint car) track record, and hopefully I am one of them.”
“I would also like to let fans know that for the rest of the year, the t-shirts we have left (small, medium, and large) will be on sale for just $10,” says Ryan, “So come down to the trailer after the races and get them while they last!”
WHAT
Friday:
“The Big One VII”
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2009 Season Round #10
www.SuperSprints.com
Saturday:
“Delaware Classic”
International SuperModified Association (ISMA)
2009 Season Round #9
www.ISMASupers.com
WHERE
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone: 989-624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On The Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
Delaware Speedway
1640 Gideon Drive
Delaware, ON
N0L 1E0
Phone: (519) 652-5068
On The Web: www.DelawareSpeedway.com
WHEN
Dixie Motor Speedway:
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pit Gates Open @ 12:00, Practice @ 3:00, Grandstands Open @ 5:00, Qualifying @ 5:30, Racing @ 7:30
Delaware Speedway:
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Pit Gates Open @ 2:00, Spectator Gates Open and ISMA Practice @ 5:00, Racing @ 8:00
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want to be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed recently, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: TOTALLED AT TOLEDO |
By Tommy Goudge (June 16, 2009) – After another strong run in their most recent race at Delaware, Ryan Litt and the London, Ontario-based #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team headed for Toledo Speedway last Friday for the ninth annual “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” featuring the ISMA Supermodifieds and Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series. The day began with Ryan posting one of the fastest laps of the day in practice for either division.
“We ran a 13.15 in hot laps, and I was running smooth laps - not out of control,” says Ryan. “I know we would have had a really fast lap in qualifying…I have never felt a car so hooked up.”
When time trials came around, Ryan was ready to give it his all, and looking for a track record for the second week in a row. Coming out of the first set of turns during his first lap, disaster struck; Parts in the rear end came apart and the left rear wheel came off the car, spinning Ryan hard into the outside retaining wall.
“That rear end was only a year old and hadn't been run much,” says Ryan. “It was a weird break - the tube broke right where the spline meets the threads. There was no warning at all…It made a huge sound when it broke off and I didn't have any time to react. From the time I felt it drop to the time I hit the wall was less than a blink of an eye and I didn't even have time to lift. I was flat out through (turns) one and two, and I didn't drag the brakes or anything. I really wanted to put up a good lap and see if we could set a track record. The car was on a rail!”
Unlike some other races, time trials at Toledo are a big part of the show because of the breathtaking speeds and the wide-open qualifying laps some drivers like to try, and the fans always show up early to see them. Consequently a lot of people witnessed the accident, and video from a fan in the stands was posted on Youtube the very next day.
“I had a lot of people tell me it is the worst hit they have ever seen a sprint car take,” says Ryan. “It was one of the worst types of hits too, because the driver’s side always has the smallest crush zone due to the offset of the chassis. When the car hit, it kind of exploded and a lot of body work and frame work just came off. I think that took some of the energy away from me, sort of like an Indy Car which is made to come apart to reduce the impact.”
Ryan later described the damage done to the car when it hit the wall:
“The side of the roll cage is bent in - the shoulder support on the seat is nearly past the outside of the roll cage,” says Ryan. “The front of the car was completely demolished. The only things left holding the front of the car on were the downtubes at the top. If they broke, the motor and front clip from the roll cage forward would have split apart. The motor came so far back that the valve covers hit the frame and crumpled…we figure that it came back five or six inches. I also got real lucky that the top of the roll cage didn't hit the fence post. The top wing hit it, and it mangled the wing badly.”
Ryan credits his safety equipment for allowing him to walk away from the brutal accident unscathed, and the safety crew at Toledo Speedway for being quickly on the scene.
“It was definitely the hardest hit I have taken,” says Ryan. “It knocked the wind out of me, and my left leg and my neck were a little stiff, but other than that I am fine. The car is really bad though, and without the LaJoie seat, Leaf belts, and HANS device, I would never have walked away from that. I can't say enough about the Toledo Speedway safety crew. It felt like they were there checking on me before the car even came to a complete stop. I also would like to thank everyone for their kind words and well wishes.”
The crash derailed what was previously a good start to the season for the #07 team. They will try to get back to action before the end of the month.
“We are going to try and get the other car set up to go for Berlin, but we have a lot of work to do yet,” says Ryan. “As of now, the plan is to be at Berlin on (June) the 27th for the AVSS race.”
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want do be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt Racing news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt Racing”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed recently, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: WINGS AT WINCHESTER |
By Tommy Goudge (May 15, 2009) – May is the month many racers and fans traditionally circle on their calendars and look forward to all year, and Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team are no exception. For them, the Month of May means it’s time for the world’s richest pavement sprint car race – The Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. This year however, there’s another race in Indiana to think about before the team heads to Anderson.
After three mid-summer editions, the Fifth Annual King of Wings at Winchester Speedway is back on in May again, and will be co-sanctioned by both the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints and Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series. Ryan and the team have competed at the historic high-banked track on three prior occasions, including two King of Wings events. Luck has never been on their side at Winchester though, as the #07 Claxton-powered Beast hasn’t been on the track at the end of either of those winged events. After a strong showing at the Salem Speedway – a track very similar to Winchester - in April this year, Ryan and the team are looking forward to racing at Winchester this Sunday and changing their luck.
"After running strong at Salem, I am really pumped to go to Winchester," says Ryan. "It has so much history...to win there would be amazing. I think we have a good enough car to do it. We just need a little bit of luck."
The state of Indiana has been alive with racing activity since the month of May began. A multitude of short track racing events dot the schedule in Indiana during the month, all leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. The Winchester event begins a busy week for the pavement sprint car drivers and teams, as they compete at Winchester on Sunday, May 17, then head to Anderson for another co-sanctioned AVSS/HOSS event on Wednesday, May 20. The week concludes with qualifying time trials for the Little 500 on Thursday, May 21 and Friday May 22 before culminating in the Little 500 at Anderson on Saturday, May 23, the night before the Indianapolis 500.
“Hopefully we get a good turnout of fans,” says Ryan. “With so much going on around Indy, I really think (Winchester) is an ideal place for race fans to watch a race at. Not only is it the fastest track, but I think it is one of the top pavement (sprint car) races of the year, and one that every fan should get to experience.”
“This is my favorite time of year, and this time around it's even better because we get to leave earlier and run Winchester,” Ryan continues; “There is nothing else like this week for someone who loves open wheel racing.”
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series Round #2 - Fifth Annual “King of Wings”
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Winchester Speedway
2656 W State Road 32
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: 765-584-9701
Fax: 765-584-8111
e-mail: info@winchesterspeedway.com
On The Web: www.WinchesterSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Pit Gates Open @ 8:00 A.M., Spectator Gates Open @ 9:30 A.M., Sprint Car Practice @ 11:35 A.M., Sprint Car Qualifying @ 12:20 P.M., Racing @ 2:00 P.M.
Tickets: Adults $18, Students Ages 9-18 $8, Pit Passes $30
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want do be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed this week, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: GEARED UP FOR THE 500 |
by Tommy Goudge (May 19, 2009) – Another strong run went sour on Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team on Sunday afternoon at the Winchester Speedway, but there’s no time to dwell on it - It’s time for Ryan and the team to get ready for their biggest race of the season: the 61st Little 500!
“We were quickest in both practice sessions, and in the heat race we started sixth and finished second,” said Ryan on Monday of his day at Winchester. “In the feature we started third, and I was running in second behind (Dave) Steele when the right front tire got cut and we hit the wall in turn three...So today we are fixin’ it at the hotel!”
Little 500 week at Anderson really kicks off on Wednesday evening with the first running of the MustSeeRacing.com 60 for winged sprint cars. Although he’s not a stranger to Anderson, the event will mark the first time Ryan will compete with a wing at the high-banked quarter mile speedplant.
“I'm looking forward to running at Anderson with a wing on,” says Ryan. “It will be a lot of fun, and I'm sure it will be very fast. I know it's going to take some luck to run well, so I’m hoping to get a good starting spot and stay out of trouble and see how we end up.”
While the winged event on Wednesday night is important, especially with the MustSeeRacing.com cameras once again rolling, the team’s real focus this week is of course the Little 500 this Saturday night, featuring traditional wingless sprint cars. With the largest purse in pavement sprint car racing, the grueling 500 lap affair is also by far the longest race the teams and drivers run each season.
“I think we have a really good shot at winning the Little 500,” says Ryan. “We now have the experience, and we know what the car likes to have in it to run well for a long period of time.”
One key to success in the Little 500 is doing well in qualifying time trials, especially during the first round on Thursday afternoon. Another unique part of the Little 500 is the qualifying format, patterned after the Indianapolis 500 format which dictates the field will be lined up according to the fastest 4-lap averages. Last year Ryan was able to lay down 4 very fast laps that would have placed him in the middle of the front row, but missing the weigh scales after his qualifying laps cost him that spot, and forced him to take part in “Bump Day” on Friday.
“I learned a few tricks last year that helped me qualify well, so hopefully we can have another strong qualifying effort. I know one thing is for sure, I will definitely go across the scales this year!” laughs Ryan.
The qualifying problem was only a brief setback for Ryan and the team once the green flag dropped in the big race last year. Some crashes and mechanical problems in the field aided Ryan’s charge to the front, as he was able to avoid those issues and find himself in the lead of the Little 500 for the first time in his career. Pit stop issues kept Ryan from challenging for the victory at the end, but he was able to come home with a fourth place, his best finish in the Little 500 to date.
“Our big problem last year was that we weren't getting enough fuel into the car,” says Ryan. “We did some practice runs at the garage and we have that fixed. I think we will be pretty good in the pits this year. If it wasn't for running out of fuel twice last year we would have won the race, so we really focused on that this year.”
“I’m really hungry to do well at the Little 500,” says Ryan. “I got the taste last year, and I want to do better this year. I know we’ve got the car and the crew to do it…now it's up to me to make the right moves.”
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints 2009 Season Round #3 - “MustSeeRacing.com 60”
www.SuperSprints.com
AND
61st Annual Pay Less Supermarkets Little 500
www.andersonspeedway.com/little_500.htm
WHERE:
Anderson Speedway,
1311 Martin Luther King Boulevard,
Anderson Indiana 46016-3964
Phone: (765) 642-0206
Fax: (765) 642-0472
e-mail: info@andersonspeedway.com
On The Web: www.andersonspeedway.com
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Gates Open @ 5:00, qualifying @ 6:00, Racing @ 7:00
AND
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009. Pre-race festivities @ 7:00 p.m., command to start engines @ 8:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want do be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed this week, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: HEADING HOME |
by Tommy Goudge (June 4, 2009) - After a busy and eventful week in Indiana, London, Ontario's Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools, Beast/Claxton Sprint Car team are back this week to compete in front of hometown fans at the Delaware Speedway.
Ryan and the team began their most recent week of racing in Indiana and looked to be starting off well, but a cut tire at the Winchester Speedway while running 2nd meant the team would have to make repairs in their hotel parking lot.
“Well with the crash at Winchester on Sunday, it was a very busy week trying to repair the car in time for the Wednesday winged race,” says Ryan. “We had originally planned to run the backup car in the Little 500 but I just couldn't get comfortable in it, so that made even more work as we had to switch out Little 500 stuff to the #1 car.”
After repairs were made, the team prepared for a Wednesday night winged event at Anderson Speedway. Ryan ran the 2nd fastest lap of the night in time trials, becoming one of two drivers to break the all-time Anderson Speedway track record in the process. An inversion for the feature meant Ryan would have to start deep in the pack and work his way forward. At the end of the race, the #07 was in the hunt, but amazing 71 year old veteran Hank Lower was not to be beaten on this night, so Ryan would have to be content with a runner-up finish.
“The winged race went well - we qualified strong, and ran a real good race, but by the time we got up to Hank I had the tires so hot that I just couldn't get it off the corner,” says Ryan. “He was running a good line and it was hard to find a hole around him, and of course with 50 years of experience you know (Hank's) not going to make a mistake and let me slip by. So it was a big win for those guys, and I was happy to have another top 3.”
After a great performance in the event last season, the team had high hopes for the next race on their schedule - the 61st Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. Things did not go exactly according to plan, however:
“The Little 500 didn't start off very good because of our poor qualifying run,” says Ryan. “When we tore the car apart after qualifying we found a broken motor mount, and also a few more bent parts in the rear suspension.”
The result was a 16th place starting spot in the big race on Saturday night, May 23rd. One of the most unique events in racing, the Little 500 features a 33 car starting field, with 11 rows of 3 starting the 500 lap event. A hard-fought night of racing found the #07 in the 5th spot when the checkered flag flew.
“On the very first lap of the race there was a wreck going into turn 1, and I caught another guy’s tire,” says Ryan. “My car just went up and back down, but it bent some stuff on the left front. So the entire race we were fighting a loose car. It wasn't too bad with new tires, but on old tires it was a handful, so I’m really thankful to come home with a top 5. All in all, the week went pretty well, but it could have gone better.”
After a weekend off, the AVSS tour is back to action in Ryan's backyard this Friday night, June 5. Ryan was running away with the feature win in last year's Delaware event when a rear suspension problem forced him to pull pitside.
“Now we are 100% focused on winning Delaware,” says Ryan. “I know there is going to be a big crowd on hand as it is one of Delaware's big race weekends. We should have won it last year, but a $2 bolt broke and took us out.”
Delaware has undergone extensive renovation since the last time the AVSS tour visited last June:
“I'm really looking forward to racing on the new surface,” says Ryan. “It will be much easier on equipment too, which is nice. Hopefully the night goes good and we can put on a good show for the hometown fans.”
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS)
2009 Season Round #4
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Delaware Speedway
1640 Gideon Drive
Delaware, ON
N0L 1E0
www.DelawareSpeedway.com
Track Phone: (519) 652-5068
WHEN:
Friday, June 5, 2009
Spectator Gates open @ 6:00p.m., Time Trials @ 7:30p.m., first race @ 8:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want do be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed recently, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
RYAN LITT: ANOTHER PODIUM FINISH AT DELAWARE, TOLEDO NEXT |
RYAN LITT: ANOTHER PODIUM FINISH AT DELAWARE, TOLEDO NEXT
by Tommy Goudge (June 9, 2009) – Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools Beast/Claxton Sprint Car team continued their good start to the season on Friday night back home at the Delaware Speedway competing with the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series. A third place finish at Delaware was the third podium finish for the team already this season, and the fourth top five, the only blemish being a cut tire which took Ryan out of second place at Winchester last month.
The day at Delaware began with Ryan blistering the tight half-mile oval with a lap of 15.682 seconds (114.781 MPH/184.568 KPH) in time trials, and setting a new all-time track record at Delaware in the process.
“It was really neat to set the track record,” says Ryan. “I have never set one before, and coming at my home track is special too. It's something I will remember and be able to talk about down the road.”
Setting fast time meant Ryan would line up on the back row of his heat race, but he wouldn’t stay there for long. Using the outside line, Ryan was able to make his way to the front and win the heat. The inversion dice roll for the feature was a nine, meaning Ryan lined up on the inside of row five for the thirty lap feature event. Ryan quickly made his way forward in the feature, but once again bad luck struck the #07 at Delaware as a plug came out of the rear end housing while racing near the front of the pack.
“We had a great car at Delaware all day,” says Ryan. “It's a shame the plug came out of the rear end and let all of the oil spill out. It was all over the rear tires, and the entire back of the car was covered with oil, so we limped home in third.”
The event was the first visit back at Delaware for Ryan and other open wheel drivers since September’s ISMA Supermodified event. Delaware ownership and staff have spent much of the time in between renovating and refreshing the fifty-seven year old track.
“The facility has really come along ways since the fall,” says Ryan. “The surface is great, and everything is just more polished and professional. It's really nice to see in these times that a track can put so much time and effort into making the experience better for the fans and the race teams.”
Ryan and the #07 team get back to action this Friday night at Toledo Speedway for a special event. The event is billed as the Fastest Short Track Show in the World, and has been a favourite of fans and drivers alike since its inception __ years ago.
“I'm very excited for Toledo,” says Ryan. “It is one of the best tracks in the country. I think it is the perfect size for sprint cars, and the configuration of the place makes for really fast, hard racing.”
The event features the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series (AVSS) and International SuperModified Association (ISMA) together at the same facility on the same night for two separate racing programs, making it one of the most unique racing events in the country. One of the biggest storylines each year in the event is which division will claim bragging rights by setting the fastest time trial lap of the day. The all-time track record is currently held by a sprint car, but in the last event it was Supermodified driver Chris Perley who set the fastest time, edging out Ryan Litt, who set fast time on the sprint car side of things that day.
“I hope we have a good car and can run well in qualifying,” says Ryan. “We can't let those ISMA guys take the top spot!”
WHAT:
Toledo - “The Fastest Short Track Show in the World” featuring the International SuperModified Association Round #2 and Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Round #3.
WHERE:
Toledo Speedway
5639 Benore Road
Toledo, Ohio 43612
Phone: (419)-727-1100
On the Web: www.ArcaRacing.com
WHEN:
Friday June 12, 2009
Practice @ 3:00 p.m., Time Trials @ 5:00 p.m., Racing @ 7:30 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Do you want do be a Ryan Litt Racing insider and have Ryan Litt news delivered straight to your e-mail? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future Ryan Litt news updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com. The final finishing touches on the revamped website were completed recently, so stop by and check out the new features!
|
Ryan Litt: Charging Through The Pack |
by Tommy Goudge (April 30, 2009) – Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team got the season started off on a high note last Saturday night at the Salem Speedway in Southern Indiana. While they didn’t get to visit victory lane in the event co-sanctioned by the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints and Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series, the London, Ontario-based team was able to collect the quick time award in qualifying, and a runner-up finish in the feature.
The night began with Ryan running a very fast lap of 14.52 seconds around the ultra high-banked .555 mile oval for an average speed of 137.603 MPH in qualifying time trials, less than two tenths of a second off Kevin Feeney’s current track record, set in 2006.
The first heat race ended with Ryan in second place behind defending AVSS champ Jason Blonde, but Ryan’s dice roll of ten for the feature inversion meant the fastest qualifiers were starting in the tenth row.
Ryan made a beeline for the front when the green flag dropped in the thirty lap feature, but former AVSS rookie of the year Chad Goff had started on the front row and jumped out to a lead he would never relinquish.
“I think we had a good shot at winning, but I hurt the tires pretty bad coming through the pack,” says Ryan. “It’s so hard to pass there – once you get in dirty air, the car is all over the place and everyone is going so fast…you really gotta drive hard to make a pass. I got stuck behind a lap car so I had a hard time getting to Chad. I think I was closing on him at the end once I got past those guys. The car was a rocket. I really have to thank my whole crew for making it so good."
The event was the first of seven races taped for later broadcast on Comcast Cable in the U.S., and it will also be available for viewing on www.MustSeeRacing.com
“I had an in-car camera at Salem which was pretty cool...I can't wait to watch it,” says Ryan. ”I’m trying to get a DVD made with my in-car footage so we can post it on the website.”
The team now has a few weeks off to prepare for a very busy week back in Indiana, with AVSS/HOSS co-sanctioned events at Winchester Speedway on May 17 and Anderson Speedway on May 20, followed by the world’s richest pavement sprint car race, the 61st Annual Little 500 at Anderson on May 23. Practice and qualifying days complete that busy week for the team.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Want to receive these weekly updates from Ryan Litt Racing? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future editions of Ryan Litt Racing updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: STARTING AT SALEM |
by Tommy Goudge (April 20, 2009):
It was a long, cold, and snowy winter for residents of Southwestern Ontario, including Ryan Litt and the #07 Sprint Car team. Those dark and frigid days are almost a distant memory now, and they’ll be completely forgotten once the London, Ontario-based team makes its debut for the 2009 racing season at Indiana’s famous Salem Speedway this Saturday.
“Opening up the year at Salem is going to be pretty crazy,” says Ryan. “I'll be going from racing simulations on the computer to 160mph buckled down tight in the sprint car. I'm sure it will take a few laps to get the rust off.”
There might be a little bit more “rust” than usual for the 22 year old to shake off, because of the venue. Due to weather and scheduling issues, Ryan hasn’t raced around the extreme highbanks of Salem Speedway since his 2nd full season of sprint car racing back in 2006. His only visit to the ultra high-speed track with a wing over his head was a good one however, as Litt led the first 9 laps of the feature that night and came home with a 2nd place finish behind Kevin Feeney.
“I like the schedule this year - we get to run a lot of the fast tracks, and I think myself and the car work better the faster we go,” says Ryan. “Salem and Winchester are two of my favourite tracks, along with Toledo. Just getting to run them this year is a real thrill. Last year we didn't get to run any of the 3 (due to rainouts and scheduling).”
The Salem event, billed as the “biggest night of winged sprint car racing ever at Salem Speedway”, is a co-sanctioned race between the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) and Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series (HOSS), and both groups have ratcheted up the excitement by awarding double the points towards each series championship for this event.
The race will also be being taped by the MustSeeRacing.com crew for later broadcast on Comcast Cable throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. As if all that is not enough to get fans and drivers excited, Salem-based Stewart Automotive and Transmission is also offering up a $1,000 “bounty” for any driver who can establish a new 1-lap time trial record on Saturday night. The current mark is 14.377 seconds (138.972 MPH) around the .555 mile oval, which was set by Kevin Feeney on the same night Ryan last competed there.
“I think having these races on TV will showcase some of the speed and great side-by-side racing that a lot of people don't get to see,” says Ryan. “It also raises the stakes a bit for the drivers, knowing that there will be more people watching.”
With 3 feature wins and 7 “top 5’s” in 11 feature races last year, 2008 was Ryan’s most successful season to date in a sprint car. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Ryan and the team are excited about the possibilities.
“The most exciting thing for me is the week in May that sees us have 3 races in one week - that is going to be just incredible,” exclaims Ryan. “There are so many fans down there for the Indy 500, which just adds to the already exciting week. You can see everything in that one week - Winged Sprint Cars, Non-Winged Sprint Cars, Midgets, Silver Crown, Indy Cars, and both dirt and pavement tracks.”
A successful 2008 season means a lot of things are staying the same with the team for 2009, but there have been a couple of improvements already:
“We’ve got some new stuff going on this year, including a revamped website, “says Ryan. “Ty at Linton Media did a really good job on it, and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. I just pass him the information and he comes up with the wicked designs. We have worked together for 5 or 6 years now, and he has some of the best looking websites out there. We also got a new hauler this season, which will pull the trailer much better then the pickup truck we had been pulling it with in the past. This new truck is a full size Freightliner with living quarters in the back. It's really big and really red so you won't miss it going down the highway!"
"All the sponsors – OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Xtreme Metal Worx, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Huron Produce, and Linton Media - are returning, which is great," says Ryan. We’re also keeping the same paint scheme that we have had for a while now. It never gets old, and it's something bright and different which I like.”
Although Ryan finished 2nd in the AVSS points championship last season, he and the team are still not sure if they will follow the AVSS tour full-time in 2009.
“I still feel as if we have a good shot in USAC (without the wing),” says Ryan. “We just need more time with the car and the tracks to get faster. So we are going to run some USAC races, and most likely some ISMA Supermodified races, if Davey (Lair) gets his new car ready. I would like to run the big ISMA races at Delaware this year so we'll see what happens.”
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their support during Ryan's 2009 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
Want to receive these weekly updates from Ryan Litt Racing? Got a question for Ryan? Just send an e-mail to ryanlittmedia@hotmail.com and we’ll do the rest. Questions may be featured in future editions of Ryan Litt Racing updates so be sure to include your name and hometown! If you’re a Facebook or YouTube user, make sure to join the official Ryan Litt Racing groups by searching “Ryan Litt”.
For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, videos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
RYAN LITT: BACK TO THE FRIENDLY CONFINES |
by Tommy Goudge (December 8, 2008) –
Once a regular on the indoor racing circuit each winter, it has now been almost 3 years since Ryan Litt of Lyons, Ontario last competed with a roof over his head. That will change on December 26 and 27 when Ryan will once again “Rumble in Fort Wayne”, driving Eddie Griffith’s Ford Focus powered Beast #41 midget car sponsored by BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools, Huron Produce, Leaf Racewear, and Gould Body and Paint.
Ryan last competed in a midget car - and last competed indoors - during the 2005 edition of the Rumble in Fort Wayne, qualifying 6th out of a field of 34, winning his heat race, and finishing 6th in the A-Main. Since moving to full size race cars in 2003, Ryan has competed indoors 7 times, including 4 times on the concrete floor at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His best finish at Fort Wayne is a 6th place, which he accomplished on 2 occasions officially, although a penalty relegated him to that 6th position in 2004 after he crossed the stripe 2nd.
Ryan’s best career finish indoors came on January 16, 2005 when he brought the Griffith #41 home 4th in the A-Main on the dirt at the Southern Illinois Center in DuQuoin, IL. Ryan’s name is one of many on the long and illustrious list of drivers who have been behind the wheel of the Griffith #41 over the years, which includes names such as Andy Hillenburg, Kenny Wallace, Johnny Parsons III, Stevie Reeves, Mike Bliss, Doug Kalitta, Donnie Adams, Ralph Ligouri, Dan Drinan, Joe Gaerte, Tracy Hines, and even fellow Canadian Alison MacLeod.
RYAN’S NOTES ‘n QUOTES:
BACK INSIDE: “I'm really excited to go indoor racing again, and being back with Eddie is even better. He is a great guy to drive for, and he knows what it takes to go fast (indoors). As always, I wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for my team and my sponsors - I'm really grateful to have a good group of people who support me”
CHANGE OF PLANS: “We didn't plan on doing any indoor racing this winter but a couple of days ago our team got together and everyone wanted to go to Ft Wayne. I guess everyone has the racing bug after ending the season off with a win at Berlin.”
FOCUS FUN: “Fort Wayne owes us one. I'm going in there to have some fun and see what we can get done with the #41. It would be awesome to win, but indoor racing is tricky, and it takes a lot of luck to do well. We will be a little under-powered compared to some of the national midgets, but it may be an advantage to us - it all depends on the track. Sometimes when those bigger motors are spinning the tires, the Focus engine is getting grip and driving forward. That's what makes indoor racing so neat - to have all different types of configurations running, and each one has it's advantage on different parts of the track.”
WHAT:
“Rumble in Fort Wayne” Midget Racing
www.RumbleSeries.com
WHERE:
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Avenue
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
Phone: (260) 482-9502
On The Web: www.MemorialColiseum.com
WHEN:
Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27, 2008
7:00 AM Pit Gates Open (8:00 Sat.), 9:00 AM Pit & Driver Meetings, 9:45 AM Practice Begins, 4:00 PM Rumble Midget Time Trials, 6:00-6:45 PM Autographs/Interviews, 7:00 PM Featured Events.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
2008 SEASON COMES TO AN END FOR RYAN LITT THIS WEEKEND AT DELAWARE AND BERLIN |
by Tommy Goudge (September 24, 2008) -
Ryan Litt hopes to finish the 2008 season off on a high note this weekend with another race at home at the Delaware Speedway on Friday night, September 26, and then on to his "home away from home" Berlin Raceway on Saturday night, September 27.
The Delaware event will see Ryan make his first start in a Supermodified this season as the International SuperModified Association (ISMA) visits the 1/2 mile speedway located less than 40 miles from Ryan's hometown of Lyons, Ontario, driving Dave Lair's #07 for the 3rd year in succession. Saturday night at Berlin, located just West of Grand Rapids, Michigan, will see Ryan doing double duty, competing with ISMA for a second night in a row in the "Lairjet", as well as his regular gig aboard the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Claxton powered Beast sprint car in the final Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) event of the season.
Rainouts and cancellations have hampered Ryan and the other AVSS competitors this season, but the breaks in the schedule have not stopped Ryan from putting together a streak of podium finishes dating back to August 2nd at Dixie Motor Speedway, where he scored his 2nd feature win of the season. In his most recent outing at Berlin on Labour Day weekend, Ryan came home with a 3rd place finish, and followed that up the next week back at Dixie with a 2nd place finish. Ryan's late season surge has propelled him to 2nd in the AVSS standings, 50 points back of leader Jason Blonde with 1 race left on the schedule. While still a mathematical possibility, Ryan's goal is not to win the championship, but rather finish his season on a high note with another good finish, and hopefully take home a 2nd place finish in the AVSS points standings, which would be his best points finish since moving into the sprint car division. Heading into Berlin, Ryan has just a scant 9 point advantage for 2nd in the points standings over Jeff Bloom, whom Ryan battled hard with for the feature win at Dixie on September 6th before settling for 2nd.
Ryan also heads into Delaware with confidence, as he drove the Lairjet to a 2nd place finish in last year's ISMA event at his home track for his best ever finish in a Supermodified, a result which was not totally unexpected considering Ryan's past successes at Delaware in an open wheel race car, which include an AVSS feature win. Delaware might also owe Ryan a favour after he suffered mechanical issues while leading late in the AVSS feature at Delaware in June. Unfortunately the engine in the "Lairjet" was not up to the challenge the next night at Berlin last year, forcing Ryan to concentrate on his sprint car ride that evening, so Ryan will be looking to run his first laps in a Supermodified under racing conditions at Berlin this Saturday.
NOTES 'n QUOTES:
PILOTING THE "LAIRJET":
"I'm looking forward to getting back into the Supermodified," said Ryan this week. "It's going to take me a few laps to adjust to the car because I haven't had any laps in (a super) this year. Hopefully we can go out and have a fun night at Delaware, and who knows maybe even repeat with a podium finish. It's an older car, but it's a lot of fun to drive, and it's nice because there is no pressure - I just basically go out and have some fun with the ISMA guys. I grew up watching supers so it's really neat to be able to say I drive them now. I have to thank Dave Lair for giving me the opportunity, it's awesome."
BERLIN BATTLE:
"Berlin is a different story; the points are tight, so I'm going there with guns blazing. I would love nothing better than to cap this year off with a win at Berlin. We always run pretty good there...It's just a weird little place because your car is either right on, or way off, and either way, it's super hard on tires.
DOUBLE DUTY:
"It should be a lot of fun doing double duty - it kind of keeps you focused all day long on the race cars, and you don't have much time for your concentration to wander."
TRIPLEHEADER SATURDAY:
"I think this is one of the best shows around: Where else can you see Auto Value Super Sprints, ISMA Supermodifeds, and USAC Midgets all at one show?! This is a must see event."
MEET AND GREET:
Ryan and his race car will be making a special appearance during Battery Supply's customer appreciation event on Thursday night, September 25. Come out and meet Ryan, see the car, get an autograph, and much more! Battery Supply is located at 523 South Street in London, Ontario.
WHAT:
ISMA Supermodified series Rounds # 10 & 11, and AVSS Sprint Car series Round #15
www.ISMASupers.com
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Delaware Speedway
1640 Gideon Drive
Delaware, ON N0L 1E0
www.DelawareSpeedway.com
Track Phone: (519) 652-5068
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN:
Delaware Speedway
Friday, September 26, 2008
ISMA Pit Gates open @ 2:00p.m., Spectator Gates open @ 6:00p.m., and racing gets underway at 8:00p.m.
Berlin Raceway "Open Wheel Extravaganza" featuring the ISMA Supermodifieds, AVSS Sprint Cars, and USAC/UMARA/WOMS Midgets.
Spectator and Pit Gates open @ 12:00p.m., Time Trials @ 4:30p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
RYAN LITT READY TO GET BACK IN ACTION SATURDAY NIGHT AT BERLIN |
By Tommy Goudge (August 27, 2008) -
Unfortunate circumstances caused the cancellation of 3 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints events scheduled in August, resulting in a long layoff for Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team. This Saturday, August 30, the Lyons, Ontario resident and his fellow AVSS stars get back in action at a favourite stop on the AVSS schedule - the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, just West of Grand Rapids.
Ryan and the team enter the Berlin event 2nd in series points, as well as the most recent AVSS winners as Ryan qualified 2nd, won his heat race, and drove to the feature win at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan on August 2. It was Ryan's 2nd feature win of the season, as he previously won at Dixie on July 5. With 4 races left to go in the AVSS season including 2 at Berlin and 1 at Dixie, Ryan and the team are still involved in the championship chase, but will have to work hard and get a little bit of luck going their way to make up the 67 point lead built by Jason Blonde.
Ryan is looking forward to the challenge, however, and heads into the final month of the season with confidence, knowing he has has won feature races at 2 of the 3 tracks left on the schedule, including Berlin, where he claimed victory on Labour Day weekend in 2006. Ryan will also need to fight off the challenges of 3 other drivers who are right on his tail in the AVSS standings, including Jeff Bloom and Ike Beasley, who are just 4 and 6 points behind, respectively.
"Well I'm really looking forward to getting back into the seat," said Ryan earlier this week, "We got our #1 motor back, so that gives me a bit of confidence knowing I'm not down 20-30 horsepower like I was (earlier this season). Berlin is one of my best tracks so I'm looking for a win or a solid podium finish. I really hope there is a good turn out of fans, as everyone is eager to get back to Berlin and it will be a good show. Every race means something now with the points as close as they are, so these last few races are must see events for the fans who are looking for some good open wheel racing."
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Series Round #12
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN:
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Gates open @ 12:15p.m., First AVSS Practice @ 2:25p.m., AVSS Time Trials @ 5:30p.m., Autograph Session @ 6:15p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Pit Passes $25.00, Adults $15.00, $7.50 Kids Ages 6-12, FREE Kids Ages 5 and Under
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
Ryan Litt (07L) Winner at Dixie Second time this year |
8/02/08
Birch Run, Michigan
The Dixie motor Speedway on Saturday Night 8/02/08 had a fantastic and enthusiastic crowd on hand to welcome the Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprint Stars. The night was perfect for racing. Qualifying started out at 5 Pm for the 19 sprinters on hand to take their spot in feature order. Fast time went to Jeff Bloom in the (26) machine with a great run of 12.772. Ryan Litt in the (07L) held in second with a 12.881. The last of the top five qualifiers included Tyler Underwood (4) with a 13.002 and dangerously close to the 12 second mark, 4th was (3A) Mike Austrauskas with a nice spot at 13.039, and the last of the top 5 qualifiers was (88) Jimmy McCune 13.061.
The heat race events also proved exciting for fans. Dowker Engine heat race one winner Ike(99) the "Ice Man" Beasley traveled all 8 laps to the finish. He was followed by John-Boy Hotchkiss, Driver/Owner of the #75 machine and third went to (23) Scott O'Connor who his nephew calls Dixie Speedway his "Favorite Track". Logo Boys Sponsored heat race 2 pulled one caution and two lead changes making the (07L) of Litt the winner, followed by (37) "Hurring Hank" Lower with the second spot and third was claimed by (24) Bill Tyler. United Trailers sponsored heat race three went to (42) Blonde, (70) Craft and (07B) Banyas.
The 30 lap feature followed a fantastic showing of late models at Dixie Speedway where they held the 100 lap race, a yearly event. The Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints with 19 Cars were pushed off and the #(23) Scott O'Connor brought the field to the green. Lap one Jason Blonde seized the lead for three laps and caution one came out for the safety cone in turn 4. With only one car in the pits (88) McCune ,the sprinters were under way again, with Blonde (42) holding the lead until lap 8. This is where the strong (98F) car of Kevin Feeney took over. Lap 12 posed a caution with (07B) of Jeff Banyas who went to the tail of the field. Two laps underway lap (14) more pulled the last caution of the night collecting (70) Craft and (20K) Flint on the backstretch on lap 14. With one more lap the sprints came to the 1/2 way mark , with the (98F) of Feeney still in business. (42) Blonde makes and takes the challenge to lead in lap 18. With only 12 laps remaining the top three(42), (98F), and (07L) are in thick pursuit of the winners circle. Also in top contention are the (26) of Bloom who started 10th with the invert draw and landed 4th. (23) O'Connor and (46) Swain also proved strong in the Dixie race. The race not over (07L) Litt captures the lead on lap 21 making the move on the backstretch and into turn 4 overtaking series points leader (42) Blonde. Litt grabs the winners circle by navigating slower traffic and lapping 3 cars. The top five finishers were (07L)Litt, (42) Blonde, (98f) Kevin Feeney, (26) Jeff Bloom and (23) Scott O'Connor. The super sprint feature at Dixie Speedway was one of the best races around. A Special thanks to all of the fans for supporting the "Fastest Short Track Show cars in the world". The Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprint Series.
|
RYAN LITT: BIRCH RUN BOUND |
by Tommy Goudge (July 31, 2008) –
After some time off, Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Sprint Car team will get back into action on Saturday night at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan with the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series. Hopes for a good run are running high with the Lyons, Ontario-based team, as Ryan visited victory lane at Dixie the last time the AVSS series competed there.
Original plans would have seen Ryan racing during each of the last 2 weekends, but the AVSS event scheduled for July 19 at Auto City Speedway was cancelled, and last weekend Ryan’s supermodified ride for the Hy-Miler Nationals at Sandusky, Ohio did not pan out. After 2 weeks off, Ryan is definitely ready to get back in the driver’s seat on Saturday night:
“I’m just really looking forward to getting back on the track and back to Dixie. I’m hoping for a good day and possibly a repeat,” said Ryan this week. “I’ve had a lot of people asking when I will be in a Supermodified next. Hopefully I will be in one for the races at Delaware and Berlin in September. Dave (Lair) has had some trouble getting his motor back together, but if everything works out, it will be done in a few weeks.”
Despite some bad luck and DNF’s this season, Ryan has managed to stay 5th in the AVSS points standings, and is only 19 markers out of 2nd as the tour heads to Dixie, while the team will head to the famous Winchester Speedway in Indiana to compete in the annual “King of the Wings” event on Sunday, August 10. A weekend off follows the big Winchester event, and then August finishes with a visit to the Owosso Speedway on August 23, and Berlin Raceway on August 30. Meanwhile, the AVSS event at Kalamazoo Speedway that was rained out on July 12 has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 20, but one race has also been cancelled, as the unfortunate news of M-40 Speedway’s closing this week means the AVSS event on August 22nd at M-40 is unlikely to run as scheduled.
WHAT:
“The Big One VI” - Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series Round #10
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone: 989-624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On The Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Pit Gates Open @ 2:00p.m., Spectator Gates Open @ 4:00p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
$30 Pit Passes, $23 Adults, $20 Seniors, $16 Teens (13-17), $8 Children (6-12), FREE Children 5 and Under.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
DIXIE DOMINATION FOR RYAN LITT; “THE ZOO” AND SPARTAN UP NEXT |
by Tommy Goudge (July 7, 2008) –
Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools sprint car team entered Friday night’s Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints event at Dixie Motor Speedway just hoping to finish all 30 laps. Not only did they accomplish that goal, but when the 30 lap feature was completed, the Lyons, Ontario driver and his #07 were in victory lane!
After a disappointing month of June that was full of rainouts and mechanical problems, Ryan and the crew entered July hoping for a fresh start, and it was apparent right from the beginning of the night that the #07 was going to be fast again – it was just a matter of making it to the finish. At the end of practice, the #07 sat atop the speed charts, but a tight condition in time trials relegated Ryan to 3rd in the session with a lap of 12.949 seconds (111.205 MPH) around the high banked 4/10’s mile oval. In his heat, Ryan started dead last and got past 3 cars to finish 4th, and then got prepared to start the 30 lap feature from the outside of the 3rd row. When the feature got started, Ryan got a great run heading into the first turn and used the outside groove to move into 3rd behind Jimmy McCune and Troy Underwood. On lap 13, Litt got by McCune for the lead and never looked back as he dominated the rest of the feature, finishing his first race in over a month in the process.
Notes ‘n Quotes:
“Oh man what a night - the car was on rails!!! I’m just so happy to finally win,” remarked Ryan afterwards, “I started 6th in the (A-Main) and I got a really good run headed into turn 1 so I stayed on the top and came out in 3rd!”
“The car was just great. I have to thank all of my crew; my grandfather Alex, my father Wade, and Mike, Steve, Bob, and Brian. We have all been working really hard on the car trying to shake this gremlin off our back. This past week we were in the shop a few nights past midnight - it was a bit hectic but it all paid off! The car was just so good on the bottom it was unbelievable. It’s such a relief to finally put all the pieces together and not only finish a race, but win one!”
What’s in store as the season moves along?:
“I want to get on dirt too! I keep talking to Chad Goff (who is running both dirt and pavement this year) and he keeps telling me how much fun (dirt) is with a wing on!”
Next?:
“Next weekend is going to be a challenge - I hear Spartan is like a bowl...”
This weekend is a doubleheader for the Litt Racing team, as the AVSS tour heads to Kalamazoo Speedway in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday night, July 12, followed by a Sunday night date at the Spartan Speedway located just South of Lansing, Michigan. Ryan’s only visit to the 3/8’s mile high banked oval known as “The Zoo” came in 2006, but the event was rained out after practice, while Spartan’s ¼ mile will be a completely new experience for Ryan and the team.
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Series Rounds #8 and #9
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Kalamazoo Speedway
7656 Ravine Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(exit 44 off US 131)
Phone: 269-349-3978 (Race Day Only) or 269-692-2423 (Office)
e-mail: http://www.kalamazoospeedway.com/contactinfo.asp
On the Web: www.KalamazooSpeedway.com
Spartan Speedway
779 N. College Road
Mason, MI 48854
Phone: 517-676-5404
e-mail: info@spartanspeedway.com
On the Web: www.SpartanSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Kalamazoo Speedway
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Racing @ 7:00p.m.
$16 Adults, $12 Teens ages 12-15, FREE Kids age 11 and under
Spartan Speedway
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Gates Open @ 3:30p.m., Racing @ 6:00p.m.
$18 Adults, $15 Seniors, $11 Kids ages 6-12, FREE Kids age 5 and under
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
Back to Basics for Ryan Litt at Dixie |
by Tommy Goudge (July 3, 2008) -
After a frustrating month full of rain and mechanical problems which ended with more engine problems last Saturday at Berlin Raceway, Lyons, Ontario driver Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiators, OTC Tools Beast/Claxton sprint car team enter Friday night's event at Dixie Motor Speedway with some changes made to the car. It will be back to basics on Friday night as the backup engine and standard rear end assembly will be installed in the car for the night in the hopes that the car will be able to finish all the scheduled laps.
The team entered last weekend's doubleheader weekend with the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints series at M-40 Speedway and Berlin Raceway optimistic that they could get back on track, but after rain canceled Friday night's event at M-40, another promising night at Berlin went awry with just a few laps left in the feature. After turning the fastest lap in practice, qualifying 4th in time trials, and a 4th place finish in his heat, Ryan began the feature 5th on the grid and worked his way towards the front. While racing with Troy Underwood for the 2nd position with less than 10 laps to go, Ryan felt a vibration in the drive train and was forced to retire to the pit area.
Ryan and the team will get back in action Friday, July 4 at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan. The event was originally scheduled for July 5 as Dixie had switched to Saturday night racing earlier this season, but after a lot of fan input, the decision was made to switch back to Dixie's traditional Friday night show. Dixie's high-banked 4/10's mile oval and superb lighting system make it one of the best tracks on the AVSS circuit, but Dixie was not a favoured venue for Litt and the team at first. Ryan's first few visits to Dixie were cut short by various issues, but the track has become better for he and the team in their last two visits. On September 8th, 2006 Ryan took home his best finish to date at Dixie with a 5th place feature finish, after qualifying 2nd in time trials. Last year he and the #07 returned to Dixie on June 28 and persevered to finish 7th after problems in time trials relegated him to 21st in the session.
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Series Round #7
WHERE:
Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Highway
Birch Run, MI
48415
Phone: 989-624-9778
e-mail: info@DixieMotorSpeedway.com
On the Web: www.DixieMotorSpeedway.com
WHEN:
Friday, July 4, 2008
Pit Gates Open @ 4:00p.m., Grandstands Open @ 5:00p.m., First Race @ 7:30p.m.
$15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $12 Teens Ages 13-17, $6 Kids Ages 6-12, FREE Kids Ages 5 and Under
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
M-40 and Berlin Up Next For Ryan Litt |
by Tommy Goudge (June 26, 2008) -
After a weekend off, Ryan Litt and his fellow Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints competitors will be back in action this weekend for 2 big races. On Friday, June, 27 Ryan and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools Beast/Claxton sprint car crew will visit the M-40 Speedway in Jones, Michigan, and then will travel up US-131 for a Saturday night, June 28 event at the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. The 21 year old from Lyons, Ontario heads into the weekend ranked 5th in AVSS points, but is just 16 markers out of 2nd.
Ryan and the team hope to get back up front this weekend after mechanical failures in each of the last 2 events resulted in Ryan watching the end of the race from the sidelines, while another event was canceled due to rain. At Delaware Speedway on June 6, the #07 suffered a suspension failure while leading the race. A week later Ryan and the team travelled to Toledo Speedway with high hopes, as Ryan was the fastest qualifier the last time AVSS visited Toledo in 2007. Ryan was also scheduled to perform double duty for the evening as the hired gun in the Gary Morton owned #70 ISMA Supermodified, however the event - billed as the "Fastest Short Track Show in the World" - was rained out. The next night, the AVSS tour returned to the Auto City Speedway where Ryan finished 4th on May 10 for his best finish ever at the unique track located near Flint, Michigan. The night began well with Ryan running the fastest lap in time trials, but his feature run ended prematurely with an engine problem.
Notes and Quotes:
No Joy in Mud(Hen)ville
"First of all (Toledo) is my favourite race of the year, and also one of my best tracks," noted Ryan, "but it was rained out after we got one round of practice in. We had the wrong gear in the car, but were still 3rd fastest in the session. I'm a little upset about Toledo - it rained once for maybe 45 minutes and never rained again the rest of the day. It is one of the best tracks and facilities we get to all year, and running that one hot lap session was just a teaser. I think it was one of the best cars I have ever had there. Once we got the gear straightened out and made a little stagger adjustment, I think I would have had no problem not lifting (going into the corners)."
Piston Problem
"At Auto City we had a really good car, although the track wasn't quite there as they had a lot of other classes running, taking the rubber off the track. It was mostly one groove, although the second groove could be used - you just really had to wheel it. After starting 8th, I was happy with my start in the feature - it gave me a little time to save tires as I got by three cars in the first corner. I think I would have had a good chance at having a top 3 (finish), or maybe even a win. Congrats to Jason (Blonde) and the Dowker crew - Jason is one of the best sprint car drivers out there, and the pass he made coming out of turn 4 (on the last lap for the win) was incredible. Hopefully we can shake the monkey off our back and start giving him a little run for his money."
On Friday night, M-40 Speedway is hosting a special event featuring the AVSS Sprint Cars, along with the Michigan Legends Series, and USA Modified Series. Ryan is looking forward to his first visit to this high-banked and very fast 3/8's mile oval, reputed to be one of the nicest racing facilities in the state of Michigan.
Saturday night at Berlin Raceway is Summer Spectacular night, featuring the AVSS Sprint Cars, plus the track's entertaining regular Late Model, Super Stock, Pro Stock, and Sportsman divisions. Ryan's career best finish at Berlin - another of the Canadian driver's favourite tracks - was a feature win on September 2nd, 2006.
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Series Rounds #5 and #6
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
M-40 Speedway
58671 M-40 Highway
Jones, Michigan 49061
Phone: 574-255-4335 or 269-244-5321
e-mail: steve@m40speedway.com or bill@m40speedway.com
On the Web: www.m40speedway.com
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive
Marne, MI 49435
Phone: 616-677-5000
e-mail: mstrevel@berlinraceway.com
On the Web: www.berlinraceway.com
WHEN:
M-40 Speedway "Open Wheel Plus 1"
Friday, June 27, 2008
Gates open @ 3:30p.m., Practice @ 4:00p.m. - 5:15p.m., Qualifying @ 5:30p.m., Racing @ 7:30p.m.
$25.00 Pit Passes, $20.00 Adults, $5.00 Kids Ages 6-12, FREE Kids Ages 5 and Under
Berlin Raceway "Summer Spectacular"
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Gates open @ 12:15p.m., First AVSS Practice @ 3:20p.m., AVSS Time Trials @ 6:00p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Pit Passes $25.00, Adults $18.00, $9.00 Kids Ages 6-12, FREE Kids Ages 5 and Under
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan's and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter's 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd. For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan's official website powered by Linton Media at www.RyanLitt.com
|
“Mechanical Failure Steals Victory From Litt at Delaware; Toledo & Auto City Up Next” |
by Tommy Goudge (June 10, 2008) –
Ryan Litt appeared to be on his way to victory or at least a very good finish on Friday night at his home track, Delaware Speedway. After starting 5th, the Lyons, Ontario resident took the lead of the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints A-Main on the 12th lap and opened a substantial lead, but on the 24th lap a broken panhard bar brought the race to an end for the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools Beast/Claxton sprint car.
The night began with Ryan running the 6th fastest time trial lap of the session, and then driving from 5th to a 3rd place finish in his heat race, while the crew worked on improving the setup for Ryan, who was battling a tight condition coming out of the corners. Their work paid off in the feature as the #07 was very fast. A close call coming out of turn 2 during the first lap almost proved to be the undoing of many competitors as the field bunched up and contact with another car sent the #07 bouncing off the wall. Fortunately Ryan suffered only minor damage and only 1 car was unable to restart and when the green flag came out again, it stayed out. Ryan quickly advanced through the field, passing Dennis Craft for 3rd on lap 4, Jeff Bloom for 2nd on lap 8, and Ike Beasley for the lead on lap 12. Litt opened a full straightaway gap until a caution bunched the field with 23 of 30 laps complete. On the restart, Litt reasserted his lead, but coming out of turn 2 Ryan could feel something was not right with the #07.
Notes and Quotes from Delaware:
Mechanical problem: “I thought it might have been a tire problem, so I kept going,” said Ryan after the race, “Then (going) into turn 3 the whole rear end dropped down and I almost hit the wall. What happened was the rod end on the left side of the rear panhard bar broke, causing the rear end to move freely, and then the torque tube/driveshaft pulled out, and that was the end of my night”
Outside Groove: “But, man oh man the car was hooked up,” said Ryan, who was upbeat despite the problem, “I had been running the outside all day in practice and in the heat race trying to get the car comfortable up there, as I knew come feature time I'd need a good car on the high side if I wanted to go anywhere. It was getting tons of bite at the top and the track had two grooves, but it was still hard to set a pass up because of how narrow it is going in and coming off (the corners). You really had to time it right to ensure the car ahead wasn't going to put you up into the wall.”
On Delaware Speedway: “Jeff & John and the whole Delaware crew prepared a great track, which in turn made for an awesome night of racing. Once they get the bumps smoothed out it will be one of the top tracks in the country. They had a huge turnout of fans and it was great to see a bunch come down into the pits after the race. It was our race for sure. Hopefully we can go to Toledo and continue where we left off.”
The next events for Ryan and the crew are coming up this weekend as the first doubleheader weekend of the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints season is on tap. Friday night the tour will participate in the annual “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” at the high banked Toledo Speedway in Ohio, while Saturday AVSS returns to the Auto City Speedway near Flint, Michigan. Toledo fans will see Ryan doing double duty, as he will pilot Gary Morton’s #70 in the ISMA Supermodified portion of the event on top of his regular duties in the #07 sprinter.
What:
Toledo - “The Fastest Short Track Show in the World” featuring the International SuperModified Association Round #2 and Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Round #3.
Auto City – Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Round #4
www.SuperSprints.com
www.ISMASupers.com
Where:
Toledo Speedway
5639 Benore Road
Toledo, Ohio 43612
Track Phone: (419)-727-1100
www.ArcaRacing.com
Auto City Speedway
10205 N Saginaw Rd.
Clio, MI, 48420
www.AutoCitySpeedway.com
When:
Toledo - Friday June 13th, 2008. Pit Gates Open @ 1:00 p.m., practice and spectator gates @ 4:00 p.m., Time Trials @ 5:30 p.m., Racing @ 7:30 p.m.
Auto City - Saturday June 14th, 2008. Pit Gates open at 2:30 p.m., racing at 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
Get the VIP Treatment from Ryan Litt Racing at Delaware Speedway! |
by Tommy Goudge (June 3, 2008) – This Friday when the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints return for their annual visit to Delaware Speedway, 2 lucky fans will receive the “VIP” treatment courtesy of Ryan Litt Racing by entering a free draw. The winner will receive 2 tickets for the VIP section in Delaware’s grandstand, and 2 Ryan Litt Racing t-shirts, redesigned and new for 2008!
All you have to do is send your name, e-mail address, phone number, and t-shirt size to Ryan Litt by following the link on the contact page on www.RyanLitt.com, the official website of Ryan Litt Racing. The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 5 at midnight, and the winner’s name will be drawn on Friday morning, June 6. If you are the winner, Ryan will contact you on Friday and then all you have to do is go to the VIP booth at Delaware this Friday night where your name will be on the VIP list and 2 seats will be reserved for you!
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) race # 2.
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Delaware Speedway
1640 Gideon Drive
Delaware, ON
N0L 1E0
www.DelawareSpeedway.com
Track Phone: (519) 652-5068
WHEN:
Friday, June 6, 2008
Gates open @ 6:00p.m., first race @ 8:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
Career Best 4th for Litt in Little 500; Home Race at Delaware Next |
by Tommy Goudge (May 26, 2008) –
It was an eventful week for Ryan Litt and the BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools crew at Anderson Speedway, but in the end it was a rewarding one as well, as the team came home with their best finish ever in the prestigious Little 500. The Lyons, Ontario resident and his #07 Claxton Chevy powered Beast were very fast in practice, and in fact achieved the 2nd fastest time in Thursday’s “Pole Day” qualifying session. The time was disallowed, however, after Ryan failed to go immediately to the tech inspection line after his qualifying laps, meaning he would have to qualify again during Friday’s “Bump Day” session. Litt then safely qualified into the 33-car field on Friday in rather wet conditions, but the mistake on Thursday resulted in the #07 lining up in the middle of row 6 instead of the middle of row 1.
The start of the Little 500 - with 33 sprint cars lined up in 11 rows of 3 on a high banked 1/4 mile oval track - is a unique spectacle, unlike anything else in racing except for the Indianapolis 500, which it is modeled after. Starting right in the middle of the pack, Ryan was able to methodically pick his way through traffic and was fortunate to avoid damage in some crashes which eliminated quite a few front-runners from contention in the opening stages of the race. By lap 145 Ryan found himself in the lead of the race for the first time in his 4 years of Little 500 competition, but had made a pit stop shortly thereafter. The team was using a gravity-fed fuel filler for the first time and it was not getting the tank completely full, forcing the team to make unscheduled green flag pit stops with no time for tire changes.
Ryan drove the #07 back into the lead on lap 219 and this time held it until lap 335 when he had to pit for fuel, and then took it back when the other leaders made pit stops on lap 361. For awhile it looked like the race would come down to a duel between Litt and eventual race winner Shane Cottle as the two swapped the lead back and forth quite a few times just before the race reached lap 400. Cottle proved too strong for Ryan and the other competitors though, and pulled away for the win while Ryan had to settle for 4th after another pit stop for fuel with less than 10 laps to go. Ryan and the team can be proud of their first top 5 finish in the Little 500, leading 135 of the 500 laps, and also running the fastest lap of the race with a time of 11.507.
Ryan commented on his 2008 Little 500 experience after arriving home:
Fuel Issues:
“Yeah, I was upset after the race. This was our first time using the gravity-fed fuelling system and we weren't getting a full tank of fuel on pit stops. I’m not sure whether the bladder wasn't coming open right or if it had air in it, but either way running out of fuel and making green flag stops hurt us. I think if we made 2 normal stops under caution and took some tires we would have been battling with Shane for the win. Between the green flag stops and running on old tires, we were lucky to come away with a top 5.”
On the Racing Action:
“It was a pretty wild race - the lappers this year seemed really slow and always in the way. Every time you just got setup for a pass (for position) you would have to slide up to get around a lapper. Everyone was going real strong at the beginning, which made it difficult to come from 17th. I just tried to pick cars off one at a time without taking too much of a risk doing it, and of course tried to stay out of the wrecks. I was right in the middle of two big wrecks out there - Wilson's, and Heveron's - and I just narrowly missed both of them.”
Summary of the Week:
“All in all after such an up and down week, with the whole qualifying deal, and running in the rain (to qualify on bump day), I'm pretty proud of leading a bunch of laps and coming home with a top 5. All of my crew guys worked so hard throughout the week, and after goofing up missing the scales (on pole day), I owed them one. I look forward to next year, and I'm learning more every year - how to pace myself, when to pit, tire management…all that stuff that you don't normally do in a sprint car race that you have to learn for the 500. Now we’re going to stick the wings back on and focus on winning some AVSS races, and being a consistent top 5 finisher.”
Ryan and the team would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Anderson Speedway track worker Roy Hiatt, who passed away after being hit by a race car while cleaning up oil during a yellow flag period in Saturday night’s race. Track workers like Roy make it possible for Ryan and his fellow drivers to race safely and put on a show for fans, and are rarely recognized for their efforts. Our thoughts are with Roy’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Ryan and the crew now have a weekend off before their quest for the 2008 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints championship resumes at their home track – Delaware Speedway – on Friday, June 6. After taking his first career sprint car feature win at Delaware in 2006, Ryan finished 6th at the half mile track located just West of London, Ontario last season – something he and the BS&B Radiators/OTC Tools team would like to improve upon this season. All fans – especially those in Ontario – are encouraged to come out and support the only Canadian stop on the AVSS tour this season.
WHAT:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) race # 2.
www.SuperSprints.com
WHERE:
Delaware Speedway
1640 Gideon Drive
Delaware, ON
N0L 1E0
www.DelawareSpeedway.com
Track Phone: (519) 652-5068
WHEN:
Friday, June 6, 2008
Gates open @ 6:00p.m., first race @ 8:00p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, Xtreme Metal Worx, and Huron Produce Ltd.
For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, news releases, photos, NEW merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
Mission Accomplished for Ryan Litt at Auto City; Little 500 Next |
By Tommy Goudge (May 13, 2008) – The ultimate goal of any racer is to win each and every time he or she hits the track, but for Ryan Litt consistency and top 5 finishes are the main goal this season. The Lyons, Ontario resident got the results he was looking for to start his Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints season on Saturday night at Auto City Speedway with a 4th place finish in the 30 lap Feature.
Practice earlier in the day ended with the #07 BS&B Radiator/OTC Tools Beast/Claxton Sprinter in the top 5 on the speed charts, but the team missed the setup in time trials and Ryan was only able to muster the 10th fastest time of the qualifying session. This meant a 10th starting spot in the feature race, but first there was a heat race to be contested, which Ryan was able to win handily.
From his starting spot on the outside of row 5, Ryan was able to take advantage of a traffic jam ahead of him and was into 5th before the completion of the first lap. A good battle ensued for the first 10 laps of the race among the top 5 cars, but Ryan was also battling with a minor misfire in the engine and spun coming out of turn 2 to bring out a caution flag. Starting on the tail, Ryan drove through the field at a torrid pace over the last 20 laps, passing Troy Underwood in the last corner of the last lap to finish in 4th place.
“The car was hooked and it was getting better the further we went (in the feature),” said Ryan afterwards, “The only problem was the sputter but it wasn’t costing me too much speed - just a bit coming out (of the corners). I’m really proud of my team for all the hard work they did over the off season - it really seemed to pay off. Auto City is usually one of my toughest tracks, but the car was on rails at the end.
“I’m really looking forward to Delaware and Toledo (the next two stops on the AVSS schedule), but first we have to concentrate on the Little 500,” said Ryan, looking ahead to the next events on his schedule, “I want to have a real strong showing there. We’re always good at Anderson and we just always run into bad luck. This year I think with a little luck we’re going to do great. It's one of the big races I look forward to each year. That whole week is just amazing and there is so much happening around Indy…it's incredible. Anyways I’m really happy to start the year off with a top 5. It's definitely something to build off of.”
The next stop for Ryan and the team is Anderson Speedway, where they will compete in the 60th Annual Little 500. Scheduled for Saturday night, May 24, the week leading up to the big 500 lap race is filled with fun and excitement, especially on Thursday when first round qualifying for the race takes place. The #07 team’s best finish thus far in the event – which features the largest purse in pavement sprint car racing – is a 7th place, which they accomplished in their first Little 500 in 2005. With 3 years of experience in the event now, Ryan and the team are looking for good results this time around in the special USAC event.
What:
60th Annual Pay Less Supermarkets Little 500.
www.andersonspeedway.com/little_500.htm
Where:
Anderson Speedway,
1311 Martin Luther King Boulevard,
Anderson Indiana 46016-3964
www.andersonspeedway.com
When:
Saturday, May 24th. Pre-race festivities @ 7:00 p.m., command to start engines @ 8:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support during Ryan and the #07 Beast/Claxton Sprinter’s 2008 season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linton Media, Linde Gases, Leaf Racewear, and Huron Produce Ltd.
For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, photos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
Ryan Litt Set to Start 2008 Season at Auto City |
From Litt Racing PR (May 9, 2008) by Tommy Goudge -
Ryan Litt and the #07 BS&B Radiator, OTC Tools Beast/Claxton sprinter are set to make their 2008 season debut this Saturday at Auto City Speedway, just outside of Flint, Michigan. After running an “outlaw” schedule last season, the Lyons, Ontario based team will be back running all 17 races on the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints (AVSS) tour this season, including a “home race” at Delaware Speedway next month.
Auto City is a track that Ryan and the team have never quite had a handle on, as the best career finish for Ryan and the #07 at the egg-shaped 7/16 mile oval is a 7th place, recorded on June 10th, 2006. Ryan and the team hope to improve upon that this weekend, and start this season off with a top-5 finish, as they are racing for the AVSS points championship this year.
”We are ready!” said Ryan, when asked about the upcoming season, “I can't wait to get back on the track. Last weekend I tested a TQ Midget at Flamboro (Speedway) to shake some rust off, and I felt really good.”
Ryan has spent much of his off-season recuperating from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident over the winter. His girlfriend Andrea was also injured in the accident, but thankfully both have made full recoveries. Ryan and Andrea would like to thank everyone who sent them get-well wishes over the winter.
”It's been a long off season and I have been craving to go fast for months,” said Ryan, “Hopefully we have some good luck and the car works good, and we can come out of Auto City with a top 5. This season, along with going for wins, I really want to try to run consistently. We have had a little trouble with that in the past. We would have 2 or 3 good runs, and then 2 or 3 DNF’s. We need to get consistent and be up front and in a spot to win every time out.”
For Canadian fans interested in catching the AVSS season opener, the Auto City Speedway is located slightly North of Flint, just 80 miles West of the Blue Water Bridge border crossing at Sarnia/Port Huron. Other than Ryan’s home track - Delaware Speedway - Auto City is the closest AVSS venue to the #07 team’s headquarters near London, Ontario. The AVSS will visit Auto City twice more this season, on June 14th and July 19th.
What:
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints Season Opener. www.SuperSprints.com
Where:
Auto City Speedway
10205 N Saginaw Rd.
Clio, MI, 48420
www.AutoCitySpeedway.com
When:
Saturday May 10th, 2008. Pit Gates open at 2:30 p.m., racing at 7:00 p.m.
Ryan and the team would like to thank their many loyal sponsors for helping to put the Claxton powered Beast chassis #07 Sprint Car on track this season, including OTC Tools, BS&B Radiator, Linde Gases, Linton Media, Huron Produce Ltd., and Leaf Racewear.
For more information on Ryan, the car, and the team, including schedules, photos, merchandise, and contact information, please visit Ryan’s official website at www.RyanLitt.com.
|
|
