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(Bill W) July 29, 2009 – It was another week of hard luck for Lincoln, Nebraska driver Billy Alley. Just when things seemed to be going forward in the feature at Knoxville Raceway last Saturday, he was caught up in someone else’s spin. This week, he’ll run a 360 for the first time since May and have a fresh motor for Knoxville. A rough qualifying lap saw Billy time in 18th in the 34-car field on Saturday. “I just can’t get the car to roll around for anything right now, but qualifying is something we’re usually good at, and we expect to be better this week,” he says. “Qualifying has never been a big problem for us, and we hung in there when the Outlaws were in town, so we’ll get it.” 18th quick put Billy outside row one for a heat that he ran away with. “The car felt good there in the heat,” he says. “You’re supposed to win when you are up front, but it’s good to take any checkered flag first. It’s been awhile!” Billy posted for the feature in 15th, and began to move forward a few spots. On the third lap, he couldn’t avoid Calvin Landis, who spun in turn three. “I thought I was going to miss it, but I didn’t,” says the 2006 track champion. “I thought the car felt a lot better in the feature, but it’s really tough to tell when you only get three laps in.” As strange as it sounds, those three laps could build some confidence. “Going forward instead of backward is always a good thing,” says Billy. “We were able to get by (Johnny) Herrera at one point, I think we were pretty good. I think we’re headed in the right direction here heading towards the big races.” Billy will race at the Crawford County Speedway in Denison, Iowa on Friday in an ASCS-Midwest/Northern Plains showdown. He’ll head to Knoxville with the 410 on Saturday. “We’re getting the 410 refreshed and the 360 is back (after hurting the engine in May),” he says. “We’re really looking forward to Denison on Friday. It’s a track we’ve run well at in the past (including a win in 2003).” 2009 hasn’t been the ideal year that Billy had hoped for in his first as a car owner, but he still has plenty of time to turn things around. Overall, it has been a good test of his mental game. “It’s really been a combination of things, but mostly the luck just hasn’t been with us,” he says of the season. “When that happens, it can get you down. That’s when you are tested mentally. You have to stay upbeat, or things will start to snowball. I’m confident going into August that our hard work all year is going to pay off here at the end and things will start getting even with our luck.” On the Web To learn more about Billy Alley, including updated results and photos, visit www.BillyAlley.com! Billy Alley Gear! For t-shirts and other apparel, visit www.BillyAlley.com! Vintage Ric Flair Clip of the Week! We need someone like Ric Flair in racing. Don’t put that camera on those girls! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT530ioehdU&feature=related Down the Alley Wally Bruggeman asks: What is the key to getting around the Crawford County Speedway?
Billy answers: It’s about momentum. With the 360 at a track like that, it’s all about keeping them free enough to carry momentum. We’ve always been pretty good there. Got a question for Billy? Send it to us at sprntcar@iowatelecom.net, and we may answer it in this section! Put "? for Billy" in your subject line. Alley's Anecdotes Billy picked up a win at the Crawford County Speedway in the #22 on July 30, 2003. He was trailed by Don Droud Jr., Jake Peters, Clint Garner and Steve Breazeale. The race was sanctioned by the Eagle Sprint Touring Series. Tornado Alley "Tornado Alley" is an up close look at the past, present and future of 2006 Knoxville Raceway track champion, Billy Alley. To receive "Tornado Alley", send an e-mail to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net with "Alley" in the subject line. Billy would like to thank Buss Excavating, Bolz Farms, Schmit Automotive, Aeroquip, K&N Filters, Pella Motors, Stepping Stone Genetics, Awesome Racewear, Hoosier Tire, Wesmar Racing Engines, McLain Motorsports, The Buckles Brothers, F&K Rod Ends, “High Roller” the Pig Farmer, JEI Chassis, Red Devil Brakes, Harris Decals, Penske Shocks, RCI, and Terry’s Body Shop.
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