Tim Russell and the Russell Racing Team was in action this past weekend, 12/6/2004, at the De Soto Speedway for the Turner Landscaping 100.
A field of 21 cars showed up for the race and during practice Tim was running at the top of the speed charts. When qualifying time Tim put the #36 solidly into the field in the 3rd position. The promoter had the top qualifiers inverted and this put Tim starting in the middle of the pack. Compared to what seems to be our usual starting spot of late, the of the field, we were glad to be somewhat near our original qualifying position. When the race started Tim steadily picked off the cars one at a time. He had the car up to the second spot with a handful of laps left. He was making some very strong challenges on the leader, but the leader had the performed groove and kept Tim behind him. On the last lap Tim dove his car to the inside of the leader. The leader held his line and forced Tim to pinch his car lower then he wanted to, the left tires got on the track apron which upset the car causing it to spin out. Tim recovered and finished 11th.
Tim stated that he is not running for anything but the win. We are picking and choosing some races this winter in which we are not running for points. Were coming to take the trophy home and that's it. I knew that it was a risky move, but it was the last lap and I had to try. I could have slide up into the leader and pushed him out of the way and maybe even wrecked him or both of us. I don't want to win that way so I had to cut it hard left to stay off him and it upset the car. It has been awhile since we had this car out and it performed perfect. The guys really did a good job. I know that when we get back in a regular series that I need to make the most out of a race and get all the points I can. Now we need to get some wins.
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Tim Russell and the Russell Racing/Jeff Howell Motorsports team has the number 36 at New Smyrna Speedway this week for the 38th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Speedweeks which runs through Saturday.
So far this week, Tim has 2 second places, 2 fifth places and 1 win placing him second in points for the Speedweeks championship run. With 3 races remaining, Tim has put himself in good position to win the championship just as his father David Russell did a few years ago.
Tim wishes to thank his sponsors Car-O-Van, Aramark Uniforms, Valvoline and the rest which without their continued support none of this would be possible.
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On Saturday, January 3, 2004 Tim Russell and the Russell Racing Team took the number 36 to New Smyrna Speedway for a 30 lap race to shake down the car, preparing for the upcoming speedweeks. Tim and the crew were happy with the way the car performed and are looking forward to starting the season.
Tim and the rest of the Russell Racing Team are working hard on preparing the number 34 ASA car for the 2004 racing season. Visit the for more information and schedules.
The team is also preparing the number 36 late model car for speedweeks in Lakeland and New Smyrna early next year.
