Earns a top-ten finish in ASAMT opener
Wausau, WI – Chris Wimmer and his Preval Chevy now hold the Madison International Speedway track record. The record fell a few times during qualifying, but it was Wimmer who broke it for the final time with a lap of 17.245 seconds, shattering the previous record of 17.417 seconds.
“The practice times were fast all weekend,” says Wimmer, “So I think everyone had a feeling the record was going to be broken. My car was pretty good in practice, but I was a little surprised to have that fast of a lap. To be able to break a track record feels pretty good and it was definitely an awesome way to start of the 2012 season.”
Wimmer, who is racing a brand new Pathfinder Chassis this year, started the 100-lap feature event from the 9th position. The first 64-laps went caution free, and Wimmer found himself in the 8th spot at the break. “The Prerval Chevy was pretty loose those first 64-laps,” says Wimmer, “We’re on a new tire compound this year, so it’s all about trying to figure out what adjustments will work with this tire. The tire has a lot of speed, which we showed in qualifying, but it definitely races different than the tires we had last year.”
Wimmer made a few adjustment to the Preval Chevy during the ten-minute break and in the final 36 laps worked his way just outside the top-five, for a 6th place finish. “I would have liked to get up and battle within the top-five,” says Wimmer, “But on that final run the car got a little tight towards the end and I just couldn’t quite catch those guys. “
After just one ASA Midwest Tour race in the books, Wimmer sits a comfortable 4th place in the overall point standings. “It’s definitely too early to be worried about points racing yet,” says Wimmer, “But to get a fast time and a solid finish in the first race of the year, especially with a new car and new tires feels pretty good. When you work so hard in the offseason building a new car and can come out and compete, it’s a rewarding feeling. I have a great group of guys that help me and we look forward to staying strong all season.”
Next up for Wimmer is his home track, State Park Speedway, this Saturday, May 19th. “It’s always nice when you race at home for many reasons,” says Wimmer, “We didn’t run that well at State Park last year, so we definitely want to turn that around this year. Last year the race at SPS was probably the best ASA race of the year, so hopefully we can put on an awesome show again.”
Fan gates open at 2pm on Saturday with qualifying at 4pm, autograph session at 5pm and racing at 6pm. For more information log on to www.stateparkspeedway.com or www.asamidwesttour.com
Wimmer is proudly sponsored by Preval Spray Guns, to learn more visit www.preval.com, RaceTeamGear.com, and Appleton Rack and Pinion. If you have any questions or would like to set up an interview with Wimmer, please contact Jana Jurkovich at jjurkovich@gmail.com
