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Crandon Tough on Oberg Motorsports
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- Eagle
River, WI ( September 12, 2007) - Crandon proved to be a long and tough
weekend for the Oberg Team. We went in there with only 1 point separating
us from the points leader and we came out of there 13 points behind. With
only one weekend to go in Wheatland Missouri on September 22 & 23 we are
going to have our work cut out for us. As usual, we are up to the
challenge.
We arrived at Crandon on Thursday to get everything set-up for the big
weekend. Friday morning Mike and the guys took the truck downtown for the
big parade. The morning is spent looking at other teams and meeting with
the general public. The trucks go through their Tech Inspections and they
also hold the meeting for the Borg/Warner Time Trials which are held all
afternoon at the track. Mike had a respectable run, timing in as 3rd
fastest 2-wheel drive. This would give him a great starting position for
the Sunday event.
Round 10
- We went
into the Saturday race with several changes to the truck. We reworked the
suspension and also changed the gear ratio. This proved to be the wrong
move. Mike had a great start on the line but the truck got way out
of control coming across the field and Mike had to let up to regain
control. This cost valuable time and placed Mike in last position.
This was going to be a tough race and Mike would have to work that much
harder to salvage a respectable finish, and that he did. He finished 4th
behind Todd LeDuc in 3rd, Kevin Probst in 2nd and Scott Taylor took the
win.
Round 11
- The guys
worked late into Saturday night putting the truck back to the way it was.
This proved to be what we needed for that Sunday run. Mike got a great
hole shot as usual, coming into turn number 1 in first position. He held
that position for a couple of laps fending off the point’s leader, Scott
Taylor. Taylor was able to slip by on lap number three and Mike spent the
rest of the race chasing Taylor down. Mike wasn’t able to catch Taylor and
finished in 2nd place with Carl Renezeder in 3rd and Rhonda Konitzer in
4th.
As I had stated earlier, Mike is now 13 points behind Taylor and only 6
points ahead of Kevin Probst. These three are the guys to watch as 4th
place, Carl Renezeder, is 39 points behind Probst. That is too much of a
deficit for Carl to be in contention. Wheatland is going to be tough race.
BorgWarner Manufacturer's World Championship Shootout
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Borg/Warner Cup Race was the final event of the weekend. Mike had a great
starting spot after timing in as 3rd fastest on Friday. The Pro 2 Wheel
Drives were lined up in front of the crowd while the Pro 4x4’s started in
the usual spot out back. This is done because the 4 wheel drives have such
an advantage over the 2 wheel drives. As the green flag dropped, Mike had
a great start (as always) leading the pack from the start. He was able to
fend off Taylor for a couple of laps before Taylor slipped by. Mike and
Taylor were able to hold off the 4 wheel drives for a couple more laps
before they started getting by.
The final toll was Johnny Greaves taking the win (4x4), followed by
Taylor, then Carl Renezeder (4x4), Amsoil/Kumho Super Team Member Scott
Douglas (4x4) and then Mike. We are happy with the 5th place overall and
2nd 2 wheel drive.
- There’s
always next year.
Crandon was proof, as always, that the sport of off-road racing is
growing. The campgrounds were over flowing and people were being turned
away. They parked in excess of 10,000 cars on Saturday and I haven’t heard
any spectator numbers yet but I would bet it was a record crowd. It’s
great to see the sport growing this much. This is also showing in the TV
numbers and that’s what really counts.
I wanted to put out a special thanks to the Amsoil/Kumho Tire Super Team
Super Fans. These are four guys that have been following the Oberg Team
for several years now and are now also supporting fellow team mate Scott
Douglas. I went to visit their campsite in what is known as Jurassic Park
to meet these guys I have been hearing about for some time now but never
had the chance to meet. There they were, sitting in a 40’ x 40’ Circus
Tent, watching a Projection TV which had about a 10’ screen. You may be
asking, “What were they watching?” Film clips and photos of the Amsoil/Kumho
Tire Super Team in action.They didn’t get enough from the track that they
had to go back and watch some more. I’m not sure who dubbed them the
“Super Fans” but they sure get enough attention out in the crowd.
That’s all I have for this edition of our newsletter. We have a 3 week
break before heading to Wheatland, which some of us need. I, for one, need
the time to get my car fixed. One of the Enduro Drivers wasn’t paying
attention while driving threw the pits and ran into the side of my car. He
bashed out my taillight so I need that fixed in order to make the trip.
I’m assured it will be ready. So I hope to see some of you in Missouri.
-Mark “Gilly” Gelhausen – Oberg Motorsports Crew Chief
www.obergmotorsports.com
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Photos from Rounds 5 & 6
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Bark River, MI
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