Craig Cassell Collects SSP Budweiser IMCA Modified Track Championship
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of John Tarr)
Although no stranger when it comes to winning championships as a crew chief, Craig Cassell finally would obtain his first career title as a driver. The Albany driver would earn the most points during the 2015 at Sunset Speedway Park in the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds.
“It's honestly a sense of personal accomplishment that is very gratifying,” said Cassell, “I've won multiple championships as a crew chief, but to do this for myself and on my own name, makes it so much more satisfying.
“We got the state title last year and i was just as happy about that but to have both a state and track championship now in just four full seasons of driving is something to be proud of, and motivation to continue to work hard and improve as a driver and a car owner.”
“While it hasn't worked out to win both in the same year, we have been close and it is something to strive for going forward and I would like to be winning more races and that is always my primary goal.”
Despite being shut out of victory lane at the “Banks Bullring” Cassell did manage to post eleven top five in fifteen starts. His best finish of the year was five, including four in a row, second place results. Craig would finish runner-up in the features on April 18th, May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, and June 27th.
“First off i need to thank all of my family for all of their help and support it has honestly been my worst year racing so far, and there have been a lot of low points, but they helped pick me up and keep me centered and focused,” he would continue to say, “I couldn't have done this without the support of my Mom. She is always fully supportive of what we do, and was crucial in helping me stay motivated.”
“My girlfriend Krstyn and her amazing family has been such a huge influence on both my life and my racing. Her willingness and desire to help work on the car have been a boost to my racing as there were nights when it was just the two of us and she is able to take some of the work load off of me so i can focus on the track and adjustments.”
“Shawn French came on board this year as my crew chief and provided such a positive attitude and a commanding presence for my team. His presence at the track gives me confidence in our team and in being able to overcome adversity that may come our way. “
And the driver of the Ester Lee Motel of Lincoln City/Corvallis Seed & Feed/Dr. Mary Harada Breast Cancer Specialist/Debra Herndon Family Nurse Practitioner/Mid Valley Farms/Trevor Glaser Motorsports/American Hero Carpet Cleaning/Arco AM/PM of Stayton/CRD Race Bodies and Fabrication/Beakbuilt Race Cars/Driving Force Graphics/Frank's Fab & Auto of Brownsville #25 Rocket by Ruhlman is especially thankful for all the support of his sponsors.
“I cannot stress how thankful and appreciative i am of Mark and Gina Baete and everyone at the Ester Lee Motel in Lincoln City. Mark was the first person to put his support behind me and my program and nothing I have done would have been possible without their support. They have been behind us 100% every year and it is so gratifying to be able to represent them successfully.”
“All of the great companies that are a part of my program are crucial to our success. I needed every bit of their support this year to overcome the struggles. Corvallis Feed and Seed and the Lockwood Family for coming on board this year to help us out, Dr. Mary Harada Breast Cancer Specialist, Arco Am/Pm of Stayton, Debra Herndon Family Nurse Practitioner, Mid Valley Farms, Trevor Glaser Motorsports, American Hero Carpet Cleaning, CRD Race Bodies, Rocket by Ruhlman, BeakBuilt Chassis, Driving Force Graphics. All of these great companies and great people have helped make my program what it is.”
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