No other Super Late Model driver on the east coast of Florida is going to have a better off season than Tim Russell. The Lake Mary, Florida, driver ended his 2009 campaign with two wins, his second Florida Triple Crown Championship, and his first triumph in the 44th Annual Governor’s Cup 200 at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Russell has won dozens of Late Model races, but none are as important as the Governor’s Cup.
“This is awesome to win this race,” said Russell. “You look down the trophy and see the list of all the historic winners of the race and it’s cool to be able to be a part of that. We had finished second each of the last two years, so it’s been a long time coming for us to win this race.”
The race was no cakewalk. Russell waited for the right opportunity to get around early race leader Jeff Choquette. With 50 laps to go, he made his move and took the top spot. Choquette then had trouble brining three-time cup winner Wayne Anderson into the mix. After surviving a series of restarts, Russell was able to hold off Anderson for the win.
“Choquette took off in the early part of the race and we just rode because we knew it was a long race,” explained Russell. “We pitted after he did and the strategy worked out and got us out with good track position. Once we got around him for the lead we were good. Wayne gave us a run on a couple of occasions, but we ended winning and that’s what mattered most.”
Russell admitted that he would be working on getting a replica trophy of the one they use for the photo after the race. He would like to have one with both his name and his dad’s name, David Russell, who won the 1995 Governor’s Cup. The Russell’s are only the second father/son duo to win the race behind Dick and Wayne Anderson.
Russell also admitted that he couldn’t have done it without the support of his family and his sponsors that have kept him racing in 2009.
“I can’t thank my guys enough for giving me a great car,” said Russell. “Steve Flocker, Insurance of America, Tempaco Control Systems and Noritz Tankless Water Heaters… they have all gotten us here. Without them we couldn’t leave the shop with the racecar.”
Tim Russell’s 2009 season is in the books, but he will return to action at New Smyrna Speedway (FL) for the Red Eye 125 on January 2nd. Russell is the defending champion of the event.
For more information on Tim Russell, please contact Matt Dillner at (704) 788-2134 x 9, and be sure to check out his web site at www.timrussellonline.com.
