Awesome Weekend at the Mile

July 20th, 2010 -- Ross said it was awesome getting back to Milwaukee and felt honored to be part of the only race of its kind this year at the Milwaukee Mile.   “It’s a great facility and the track is literally lapped with history,” explained Ross, “I am just proud to be a part of it.”

It did not take Ross long to get a feel for the weekend.  “Once we got the track run in with a few laps of hard practice, I was able to drive the ASA Late Model the same way that I drove the track in 2008.” stated Ross,   “Knowing that gave me a ton of confidence and allowed me to just concentrate on getting the car better.”   When he left the last scheduled practice on Friday the #92 car was 2nd quick on old tires and the entire crew was pumped.

Ross was very confident going into the show on Saturday.  TD Racing Development had a great car underneath him.  Crew chief Howie Lettow, Ross and the entire TD crew appeared to be hitting on all cylinders, but who could have predicted the events of the rest of the day?  “We started out fighting a carburetor issue which required a complete replacement, when we backed the car out to shake it down, the transmission hung up.” stated Ross.  The Artesian Fresh Ford was able to make the run after some quick action by the crew and the car appeared to be ready once again.   As Ross rolled out for his qualifying run things took another turn.  Ross explained “I came out on the back stretch and could not come up through the gears.”  He remembered thinking “What next?” but says, “I just tried to stay focused.”  Ross’ spotter, Branden Lines, was instrumental throughout the day to keep the big picture in full view, and was a big part of the teams on track success. 

The crew got right to work and gave Ross another chance to qualify.  “They pushed me off in 4th gear, and told me to get what I could.” said Ross.  The tranny kicked out in the run up lane, but Ross was able to get it knocked back into gear, and finish the run.  The team was rewarded with an 11th place qualifying position, which wasn’t bad considering Ross drove it one handed!  “I literally had to let go of the wheel with my left hand, grab the wheel at 3 o’clock to enter the turn, and let go again to exit.” said an exasperated  Zumbach ,“I knew if I took my hand off the shift lever, my day was done.”

Once again the TD Racing Development Crew went to work, this time changing the racecar’s transmission on pit road and keeping the #92 TD Racing, Artesian Fresh Ford Fusion in the race.  Ross would have to start 22nd due to the mechanical change, but  the team was excited, they were in the show. 

As the green flag fell, Ross went right to work, passing competitors’ one at a time as he methodically brought his #92 to the front.  After an early caution and restart, Ross found himself in a three way battle with the #87 of Jesse Saunders and #29 of Jeff Choquette.  “We had a great run with those guys,” grinned Ross, “I learned a lot and I’m pretty sure I gained some respect from them as well.”  They raced 25-30 side by side, nose to tail laps, swapping positions numerous times.  “We were running solidly in the top ten, just working our way to the top five when luck ran out again!” said a dejected driver.  “I was working for eighth, coming through three and four, when we lost the clutch.”  This was a great run that came to a disappointing halt for the Minnesota driver.

“You know we really did have an awesome day, we started at the tail in a race where track position was very important, and we drove straight into the top ten.”   “I think we moved farther forward than anyone by lap 62, and I am proud of that.” he said with a positive grin.  “We had no control over any of the bad luck, but my guys all pulled together and I gave everything I had; it truly was a team effort.”

“I really want to thank Mike Dassow for the opportunity with TD Racing Development.” “Also a big thanks to Howie Lettow and Travis Dassow for preparing a great car in the shop and at the track.” said Ross.  “And I can’t thank the crew enough for their efforts.  Craig, Frank, Kelsey, Mike, Ryan and Trevor W. really gave their all to make the day happen.”   Ross was quick to point out that they are a two car team.  Trevor Dassow and Ross are able to share thoughts and ideas to make each other better, but another story would be that these crew guys work very unselfishly between the #89 and #92. Ross commented, “I have an unbelievable support group and I appreciate that.” 
As for the future, Ross’ hopes are to keep moving his career forward.  Hoping for a couple of more shows this summer and working towards a full schedule for 2011 is what occupies Ross’ wish list right now.  “I just want to race and have the chance to show what I can do with a race car.” says Ross. 

“I really feel like we had an awesome race weekend at the Milwaukee Mile, just a little short on luck.”

Ross Zumbach is actively seeking market partners for the 2010 season and beyond.  To keep up with Ross and Ross Zumbach Motorsports visit them on line at www.rosszumbach.com .  You can also follow him on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.