Eckrich & Lewis Back Again, Skelton Added to Sunoco Rookie List
WHEATLAND, MO (March 5th, 2015) – Two additional drivers have declared their intentions to race with the Lucas Oil MLRA in 2015, and one newcomer is also in the fold. Veteran Iowa standout, Dave Eckrich joins 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year winner Scott Lewis, from Colorado, as the latest to return to the tour. Alvord, Texas driver Farrel (Gene) Skelton joins a quickly growing list of candidates in the race for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honor.
Eckrich, a Lucas Oil MLRA feature winner and regular over the past few seasons, has two Barry Wright Race Cars and several Grove Automotive power plants at the ready. He is entering his 20th season behind the wheel of a Dirt Late Model. This season will be a little different for Eckrich as he lost good friend and supporter, Bill Hausz.
“Losing Bill was really tough last year, and still is,” commented Eckrich. “We are gearing up for the season though. We are going to have all the same help; it’s just going to be a little harder without Bill. We had a lot of adversity last year, but in spite of it all the cars worked pretty well for us. We have made some small tweaks, which we are looking forward to trying.”
Eckrich is in an interesting position with his race program as the family run business, Precision Performance, specializes in helping customers elevate their racing programs. Eckrich is continually testing shocks in search of the next package to offer a boost in performance, conducting a lot of his own research and development for the company.
“The shock deal is a big part of our business. I have new stuff on the car constantly, and there is no question it hurts our consistency at times. We have times where we will try 8 or 9 different combinations and maybe only hit on it once.”
Shocks aside, Eckrich spoke highly about the opportunity to race at both Farley and West Liberty, Iowa in early August. The two consecutive $10,000 to win shows are in a close proximity to his shop, and West Liberty is a place he has a lot of experience over the years. The Silver Dollar Nationals also ranks high on his favorites list.
Eckrich receives support from Precision Performance, BDI Loctite, Grove Automotive and Noel’s Tree & Crane.
A rookie year on a new tour is always a big task no matter the driver. Scott Lewis handled the challenge admirably and walked away with the spoils courtesy of Sunoco Race Fuel. Reloaded and ready, Lewis made a pretty significant change to his program over the winter, purchasing a new Rocket Chassis and Custom Race Engine.
“Last year everything went like we expected it with an older car and new tracks,” said Lewis. “We learned a lot and are much more confident heading into the season.”
Lewis was the long tow winner at most, if not all stops last season. He noted the travel was never really much of an issue, except for the Thursday evening practices were tough for the team to make. Races over 30 laps were also mostly new to Lewis, so there are a number of reasons for his optimism.
Key supporters for the team include All-Pro Automotive & Machine, A Better Hardwood Floor, Overnight Wraps, Irishman Trucking & Excavating, Custom Race Engines and Gibtec Racing Systems.
New to the Lucas Oil MLRA but certainly not new to racing is Farrel (Gene) Skelton. Skelton began racing back in 1973 in the Street Stock division. He competed for 8 years straight, before getting out of the seat to raise a family. When Skelton’s son began racing in 2000 he got involved again. Coming out of retirement in 2012 after a 32 year absence, Skelton got behind the wheel once again.
“MLRA has the best regional talent of any series in the country,” commented Skelton. “We can really see how we stack up and better ourselves. I’ve always enjoyed big challenges and this will be one. This is pipedream for an old man. I’m looking forward to it!”
Skelton’s Rayburn Chassis is powered by a Wells Racing Engine and he receives support form Skelton Racing and a long-time friend, Mongoose.
The Lucas Oil MLRA roars back to action April 3-4 for the Annual Spring Meltdown at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska. It marks the first of three stops at the Kosiski family oval for the season.
For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website at www.MLRARacing.com.
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