2/14/2014
ASCS
Aaron Reutzel hopeful in 2014 Lucas Oil ASCS Return
TULSA, Okla. (February 14, 2014) - Aaron Reutzel last competed full time with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV American Real in 2011. Earning the Brodix Rookie of the Year, a shoestring budget put the Clute, Texas driver back on a regional schedule in 2012 after starting the season with the National Tour.
"In 2011, that was the year we made Short Track, and for 2012, I thought we were going to have a good year, but we had a couple sponsors back out on us, so we didn't get to finish the full year."
Since returning to a regional schedule that focused on the Griffith Truck and Equipment Gulf South Region in 2012, Reutzel has picked off 8 wins along with 26 top five, and 30 top-ten finishes in 37 A-Feature starts.
"Whenever I got off the National Tour, I was definitely 10-times better than I had ever been," reflected Reutzel of the past two years. "After I ran the National Tour, racing was a totally different pace. Before, running all the regional stuff, you didn't have to drive so hard and aggressive."
Teaming with Bob and Christy Miller of El Paso, Texas as well as Lone Star Hydro and Maintenance, Aaron feels confident in being able to complete the full season, but still realizes that the budget may not be enough, "We're definitely going to start it, and run the first half, but if we go through a bunch of equipment and engines we might not be able to finish it."
Beyond have a competitive season; Aaron's biggest goal is to earn a National Tour win, "I've been so close, so many times and either had a parts failure, or was green and just made mistakes so I want to get that out of the way so I can stop thinking about it."
Asked what his overall season will look in terms of schedule, Aaron is pushing for a possible 80 race lineup comprised of ASCS National and Regional events as well as non-wing, 360cid, and 305cid races for other owners.
Talking about his crew for the 2014 season, Ryan Beechler will be full time with Aaron on the road. Teaming with the Reutzel at the end of 2013 at the Cocopah Speedway, the partnership was quickly forged as the two clicked right away.
"I definitely have to thank him [Ryan] because he quit racing so he could go out on the road with me."
Currently recovering from a dislocated shoulder that happened while competing in Arizona in January, Aaron gave no indication that the injury would keep him from the Cocopah Speedway season opening event for the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV American Real as he undergoes physical therapy.
Overall in 2013, Aaron Reutzel competed 47 times between ASCS 360cid, ASCS 305cid, and Non-Wing events.
News and information on Aaron Reutzel can be found online at http://www.aaronreutzelracing.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Lonnie Wheatley provides publications regarding Aaron Reutzel. To sign up for news direct, email lonniewheatley@gmail.com.
The 2014 Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV American Real season begins February 28 and March 1 at the Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, Ariz. Tickets for the $10,000 to win event are on sale at http://www.cocopahspeedway.com.
2013 ASCS (Regional/National/Other) Record: Events: 47: Wins - 6, Top 5 - 27, Top 10 - 29
Overall ASCS National Tour Record: A-Feature Starts: 54: Wins - 0, Top 5 - 9, Top 10 - 25
The 2014 season marks the twenty-third year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing for the American Sprint Car Series, which brings the best of Sprint Car racing to dozens of different tracks throughout the nation. Anchored by the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series, ASCS also consists of ten different Regions throughout the nation.
Lucas Oil Products is the title sponsor of the American Sprint Car Series. More information can be found on Lucas Oil Products at www.lucasoil.com. MAVTV is the presenting sponsor of the American Sprint Car Series. Log onto www.mavtv.com for information regarding availability and listings in your area.
Associate sponsors for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV include: Hoosier Racing Tire and Brodix.
Team Lucas Sponsors for the American Sprint Car Series consist of Protect the Harvest, iON Camera, Smokey Mountain Moonshine, C&R Radiator, Hawk Performance Products, Geico, E3 Spark Plugs, and General Tire.
Product and Contingency Sponsorship provided by: K&N Filters, PitstopUSA.com, Competition Suspension, Engler Machine and Tool, FSR Radiator and Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Driverwebsites.com, Weld Wheels, Fuel Safe, Saldana Racing Products, Maxwell Industries, Print Place, Simpson, The Joie of Seating, Wesmar Racing Engines, Hinchman Indy Racewear, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, DMI Rear Ends, Rod End Supply, Smiley's Racing Products, Speedway Motors, Speedmart, and Hilborn Injection Systems.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com as well as Twitter (@LucasOilASCS) and Facebook. News and information can also be sent to you with the ASCS E-News by texting ASCS to 22828 with any mobile device.
Photo Credit: Ron Skinner
Submitted By: Bryan Hulbert