Panhandle Racing - Racing News and Information

Brian Blum: #31 Coulter Motorsports Chevrolet Pre-race Notes and Quotes

Cherry Bomb 200 - July 4, 2009
Rockingham Speedway - Rockingham, NC

One of the most anticipated ASA Late Model Challenge events in the series history is taking place this weekend at Rockingham Speedway for the Cherry Bomb 200. Margate, FL native Brian Blum is making his first start on a track on one mile in length. The legendary high banks of Rockingham welcome the ASALMS for the first time and is one of the marquee events on the speedways schedule in 2009.

Blum Racing has recently expanded its schedule with driver Brian Blum which includes this weekends event at Rockingham. Blum and the Coulter Motorsports team will also be competing at Gateway International Raceway as part of the Camping World Truck Series weekend on September 12th.

ROCKINGHAM HISTORY: This will be Blums first career start at Rockingham and his first on a track over one mile in length.

TEST, TEST, TEST: Blum was one of the competitors that participated in the open test session at Rockingham Speedway earlier this month in preparation for this weekends event.

2009 SEASON: Blum has competed in three ASALM South division events in 2009, with his best finish coming at South Georgia Motorsports Park in April.

FIRST TIME CHALLENGER: This weekends Cherry Bomb 200 will be Blums first career start in the ASALM Challenge division.

QUOTING BRIAN BLUM
(On racing at Rockingham for the first time in ASA) Were looking for a really strong top five, hopefully a win. I know we got the car to do it, especially with my crew chief and the new guys we just hired. We have all the right pieces, now I just have to do my job.

(On the advantage of testing at Rockingham) We already know what the track is like. How the car handles over the bump, what it does at top speed, especially in the draft. We were one of the only ones to see how these cars are going to react in the draft and what theyre going to do in the center of the corners, as far as side force on the cars.

(On the different approach to Rockingham versus other tracks on the ASALM tour) Its not as different as youd think. Making sure the nose is pinned down. At the half miles, you dont have to worry about aerodynamics and keeping the nose on the ground. Its more important at these tracks, especially like Rockingham, when youre going 160-165 mph down the straightaway.