Rockford, IL- No, Jimmy was not involved in some sort of pre-race
ceremony where race fans were tossed wildly around from driver to driver. He was able to
display his driving strengths for a group of employees and customers from Catching Fluid
Power.
Catching Fluid Power operates a ParkerStore in the Rockford, IL area and they, along with the ParkerStores, were associate sponsors for the Winston National Short Track Championships held at the Rockford Speedway on September 25-26. "We all had a great time at the track," said Mike Craig, salesman for Catching Fluid Power. "We had customers out both Saturday and Sunday. The ParkerStores were a sponsor for the 'Last Chance' races in a couple of the classes, and I even got to get up in the flag stand and start the race. That was really cool. I've kind of become a race fan already."
Mars and the ParkerStore team were able to pull off a fourth place finish in the American TV 400. This fourth place finish puts Jimmy in a three-way tie for the Nascar Re/Max 'Rookie of the Year' honors. There is only one event left on the 1999 race schedule, so it is guaranteed to be an exciting shoot-out. "We're really pumped up for the last Re/Max race in LaCrosse," said Jimmy. "If we can win the rookie honors, it'll be totally awesome."
Mars started
the main event deep in the field in the 17th starting position but was able to work way
through the pack with consistent driving and strong pit stops. The team has gained a lot
of knowledge about asphalt racing this summer and they continue to improve their finishing
positions. Mars was a crowd favorite and had long lines of fans seeking autographs and the
chance to talk racing with the talented young driver.
Johnny Sauter, LaFavre Racing Team's teammate, was also in Rockford driving Jimmy's back up car. He is getting some seat time in the Re/Max cars and will be running the full schedule next year. After starting in the third position, Sauter experienced mechanical difficulties with both the brake and steering systems and had to settle for a twenty-third place finish.
"This racing event was definitely worth it," added Mike Craig. "All of our customers had a great time, and they are already asking for tickets for next year. Jimmy and Johnny did a great job of representing the ParkerStores and we hope that someone can come back to Rockford again next year."
Jimmy Mars will have the ParkerStores ASA Monte Carlo in Rougemont, NC for the North Carolina Sweet Potato 400 this weekend. The race will be carried live by TNN Motorsports and will air Saturday afternoon at 1:00 (Eastern) time.
(John Strand-October 1, 1999)
