Tim Russell Claims Second-Consecutive Sunbelt Series Championship

Lake Mary, Florida, Driver Earns Second Super Late Model Title in Two Weeks

One week after winning the Brighthouse Challenge Super Late Model championship at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) for the second-straight year, Tim Russell headed back to the Pensacola, Florida, track for the final Sunbelt Series Super Late Model event of the year, the Governor's Cup 200, as the defending champion.  While he didn't get the victory he wanted in the final series race of 2008, Russell claimed the title, becoming the Sunbelt Series champion for the second straight year.

After not seeing victory lane since May, Russell was hungry for a win.  He was one of the favorites entering the race and ran up in the front couple spots during the whole event, including leading multiple laps early, but a transmission issue kept him from taking the day's top spot on the track at the conclusion of the race.

Not many drivers can say they claimed two series titles in a single season.  Russell not only gets to say that after winning both the Brighthouse Challenge Series and Sunbelt Series titles, but by winning both series championships in 2007 and 2008, his accomplishments puts him on the map as one of the best Florida racers over the last few years.

"That is pretty cool that we were able to go back to back on the Brighthouse and Sunbelt deals.  It was a heck of a year.  Everyone worked hard at the shop and hard at the track all year.  I want to thank all of my guys for their support, my family and everyone.  Insurance Office of America also came in and helped us out big time this year. Without them and everyone, we can't do this."

"When we got out front, we were a little bit loose out there," said Russell.  "It was a heck of a race we were putting on there.  We were finding all sorts of different grooves out here.

"I thought we were pretty good after the pit stops.  On that last restart we got the transmission stuck in high gear, so it took me a couple laps to get wound up and get going.  I finally found my marks I had been hitting earlier and the groove that worked.  I was just trying too hard at the end there and busted it sideways.  Hats off to them (Wayne Anderson and his team).  He was able to open it up a little bit more."

Despite losing the battle, Russell won the war.  His second-place finish earned him the 2008 Sunbelt Series title.

"My guys did an awesome job this weekend," explained Russell.  "I can't be more proud of them.  I just wish we could have been in victory lane tonight, but second is a good spot, so we will take it.  We wrapped up another Sunbelt Championship, so hats off to them too."