Mach Speed: Elite Racing Thanks the Armed Forces at Mini Gold Cup

Speed is a universal language. The speed at which an object moves through the air is known as mach speed. While sprint car racing measures speed in miles per hour, most of our men and women in uniform are accustomed to measuring speed in machs. As Jason Meyers raced for the first time in California at Silver Dollar Speedway since winning the 2010 World of Outlaws title, he also took some time to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces this weekend. While everything did not go quite as planned at the Mini Gold Cup, the Elite Racing squad rallied and did their best to handle an issue they rarely have to deal with.

Mini-Gold Cup Homecoming

Not everything can go as planned. The perfect plan for the Mini Gold Cup would have been Jason Meyers and his Elite Racing team taking their first win of the season at a track where they are not only “at home,” but won at last season. Then again nothing in racing can be planned. The Clovis, California native started strong on Saturday qualifying 4^th and was running in a transfer spot in his heat poised to make the dash, when plans went sour. For the first time in seven years of working with Charlie Garrett Engines, the engine seized leaving Meyers in smoke.

The Elite Racing team was not daunted though, as they quickly changed the engine and got back on track. The Champion would go on to win the B-Main and secure the 12^th starting spot in the night’s main event. By Lap 10, Meyers was running in the top-10 and was poised to race his way through the pack. First the Californian tracked down Brad Furr and passed him on Lap 7.

Just as Meyers pulled off the pass, the yellow flag flew for the first time. When racing action resumed, the California Champion picked up another spot when he slid under Bill Rose to take the 8^th position. The Champion would move up to 7^th when Jac Haudenschild bobbled and lost a few positions. But he would lose the position after a spirited battle with Kyle Larsen.

Racing Action was paused again on Lap 26. For the restart the Champion was poised to move into the top-5. Unfortunately, Meyers would not have the best restart and wound up losing two positions. When the Checkered Flag dropped, Meyers would end up finishing 8^th, while Craig Dollansky went on to win his first race of the season.

Honoring the Armed Forces

The day spent with your Blue Angel team was one of the most exciting and inspiring events Elite Racing has ever had the pleasure of being a part of.  For Meyers the ride was obviously amazing and the opportunity of a lifetime, but more importantly the knowledge and respect of our men and women who serve our great country that our team left with that day was priceless.  After that experience, Meyers knew he wanted to find a special way to thank the people who made this possible.

 Friday night while USAC was racing their portion of the Mini-Gold Cup, Jason Meyers and Elite Racing hosted and presented Petty Officer Bryan Sim of the US NAVY with an autographed photo of his Blue Angel experience in front of more than 3,000 fans at the Silver Dollar Speedway. The team also welcomed him home from his 12 month tour in Afghanistan.  The crowd went crazy as they welcomed him home and it was a symbol of the gratitude that they all share for all of the men and women that make the sacrifices to serve.

“As Americans, we all take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy and very few of us ever get to experience what goes on around the world to keep those freedoms alive and well.  Elite Racing will continue to do everything in our power to not only thank those that serve, but to promote in any way possible all of the branches of the armed forces of the United States,” Meyers said after welcoming Petty Officer Sim home.

Up Next

Next week Jason Meyers and Elite Racing will be taking on two more tracks in their home state. First up Friday night, March 18 is Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway. The following night the team will travel to Tulare, California to Thunderbowl Raceway where Meyers celebrated one of his 12 victories last season.

“I am really looking forward to racing at Hanford and Tulare this weekend,” Meyers stated. ” We have a lot scheduled around the weekend including many opportunities to mix it up with our local fans that have supported us over the years. I look forward to spending time with our fans and going after out first victory of 2011 at my home tracks. “

Jason Meyer’s World of Outlaws Starts at Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway

Jason Meyer’s World of Outlaws Starts at Thunderbowl Raceway