Garrett Shover #51

May 15th was a fun, exciting, some-what frustrating night, with good results.

After starting 6th in our heat, we were lucky enough to finish in the top three, giving us an invert spot for the feature. Starting 9th we quickly found our way into the top five. That is when the craziness started. Racing with Doug Bennett for the third position we made some contact, giving our Clean Technologies/Hauenstein Property Maintenance sponsored #52 a flat right front tire. Luckily for us, the caution came out giving, Matt, Dave, and Tim time to change the tire. Going back out on the speedway with ten laps to go, we made our way back up to a 6th place finish after dodging several spins, parts, and crashes. (At one point we drove through the infield to avoid contact with a spun George Eash).

I am so proud of our team for rebounding from misfortune. My crew did a great job of changing the tire, staying poised, and fighting back. What could have been a disastrous night; turned into a solid top ten finish.

Congratulations to my teammate Brian Hauenstein for his charge from his 15th starting position, to a 2nd place finish.

What an exciting night of racing! It was Lexie’s birthday, and she joined us in the pits for the first time. My teammate, Brian Hauenstein, started on the pole of the feature: as I started sixth. After an early caution allowed me to get down on the bottom side of the speedway we started to pick off cars one at a time. Some great side-by-side racing with Brett Pickle, George Eash, Jaynee Zeigler, and Sam Rial. By the time we made it up to second place with the Clean Technologies #52, Brian had already developed a straightaway lead. There was no catching “B-Ri” in his Hauenstein Property Maintenance #25H. A 1-2 finish for our team! It really was a dream night for me! Both cars were just flawless. Special thanks to Matt, Dave, Dad, Meghan, Linda, Terry, and our newest crewmember Lexie, for all their hard work Sat. night.

On May 1st we went back to points handicapping to set the field. After the dismal first two weeks, we started on the pole of our heat, and led every lap. Which put us on the pole of the feature, and led every lap. It was a little bit more exciting than just running away with it. After warm ups we found a break problem, and the rest of the night I had to pump the breaks going into the corners.

Special thanks to my crew: Brian, Matt, Dad, Dave Jr., and Elson. I couldn’t do any of this without you guys. And a big thanks to my sponsors: Clean Technologies, Hauenstein Property Maintenance, Madison House East, Wurth, CARS, Advanced Auto Parts, and Bender’s Machine Shop.

In victory lane I dedicated the win to my Uncle Johnny. We got one for you Bundy!

After two very frustrating weeks to start the 2010 season (2 DNFs), we finally finished a race, and in the top ten at that! One of my best friends and racing mentor Brian Hauenstein started 9th as the black and blue 52 started 10th. We got to race side by side for a while, I followed him for a while, he followed me for a while, and in the end he finished 9th and I finished 10th. I was a fun night!

I really want to thank my crew for all their hard work as my Uncle Johnny passed away on Thursday. The racecar was the last thing on my mind this week, so between Friday night and Saturday morning and afternoon we prepared both cars. We wouldn’t have made it to the track without them and their hard work. And thanks to my dad for buying parts after last weeks failure.

On a personal note, I realized this week that the best thing in life isn’t racing, but people. My family and friends are more important than any checkered flag, and as wrecks happen and parts break, those close to me have helped my family and I through the passing of my Uncle.

We miss you Johnny, and we dedicate this season to you. We will adapt the never give up attitude you carried throughout your illness. As you rest now, look down on us with your bright smile and caring heart, and cheer for us as we race for our dreams. I love you Bundy!

John D. Stouffer