(Photo by TeeJay Crawford)
Inside Line Promotions – OWASSO, Okla. (Nov. 9, 2015) – To be clear, Tony Bruce Jr. is not retiring as a sprint car driver.
However, the One 8 Motorsports driver has decided to end his reign as a team owner. Bruce Jr. is liquidating his team, including a toter and a 46-foot custom trailer that recently arrived and has never been used. The only race car Bruce Jr. will own will be his midget, which he will race during the Chili Bowl Nationals in January.
“I’m definitely open for opportunities to race anywhere,” he said. “I’m just a driver from here on out instead of being a car owner. I’ve been very fortunate for all my sponsors to be so loyal and all have said they will come back on board next season if an opportunity presents itself.”
Bruce Jr. first stepped back from the sport in late June following a three-race winning streak, which marked the first time he’s accomplished that feat in his career.
“That was a special moment to be able to win three in a row at three different types of race tracks in two different cars,” he said. “It was different to take as much time off as we did, but it was one of those deals where I’m tired of being a car owner and wanted to take a step back. This is the first time since I started racing that I took time off and didn’t race full time. The stresses of being the car owner, driver, team manager, truck driver, pretty much everything; I got to the point I needed to take a break.”
The winning streak – featuring a Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour triumph at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo., before NCRA victories at Dodge City Raceway Park in Dodge City, Kan., and 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan., the following weekend – were the only trips to Victory Lane this season for Bruce Jr.
“It was great to go out on the right note,” he said. “It was at that time I decided to take a break so that was a great feeling to win three in a row for the first time in my career.”
Bruce Jr. ended the season competing at a handful of marquee events, including the 360 Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, in August; the Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial at Lucas Oil Speedway; the Winter Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas; and the Short Track Nationals at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark.
He also scored his final podium finish of the season in October with the NCRA at 81 Speedway.
“I’m open for opportunities during the 2016 season,” he said. “I still love to race. I just don’t want the headache of running an organization.”
For racing opportunities or to inquire about the toter and trailer for sale (available at http://www.hoseheadsclassifieds.com/item.cfm?ck=128556), message Bruce Jr. at BruceRacing18@yahoo.com.
SEASON STATS –
34 races, 3 wins, 9 top fives, 18 top 10s, 24 top 15s, 28 top 20s
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.TonyBruceJr.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyBruceJr
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Hinchman Racewear
With more than 80 years in the industry, Hinchman Racewear prides itself on safety, experience, innovation, quality and customer service. For more information on how Hinchman Racewear can protect you, visit http://www.HinchmanRacewear.com.
“When looking for safety and innovation, look no further than Hinchman Racewear,” Bruce Jr. said. “With great customer service and a passion for keeping drivers protected, it’s no wonder why they are the leaders in the custom suit industry. I choose Hinchman to keep me safe and I encourage all drivers to do the same.”
Bruce Jr. would also like to thank Lubbock Wrecker Service, Wheeler Metals, Briley Trucking, The Oil Medics, Eagle Motorsports, Smiley’s Racing Products, SWE, Maxwell Industries, Moss Racing Engines, FK Rod Ends, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Factory Kahne Shocks, DriverWebsites.com, RacinBoys.com, Wilwood, Schoenfeld Headers, Hoosier Racing Tires, HRP, Kaeding Performance, Schaeffer Oil, Fuel Safe, Bell Helmets, Four Seasons Radiator, Southern Trailer Works, KSE, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Weld Wheels, ISC Racers Tape and Pressure Tek for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
Article Credit: Inside Line Promotions