IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

March 22, 2006 Owens Racing Benefits from New Crew & Sponsor Busy Off Season Pays Early Dividends By Scott McAllister Orlando, FL – The hard work for Alli Owens and the Owens Racing Team began immediately after the final race of the 2005 racing season. First on the agenda was securing a Primary Sponsor for the Owens Racing Team. Alli’s desire, determination and positive image in the community brought the attention of Bradley Giles, Owner and President of Giles Electric Company, Inc. Founded in 1970, Giles Electric, Inc. is a full service electrical contracting firm specializing in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems for Commercial, Industrial, Governmental, Institutional and Residential facilities throughout the State of Florida. Next on the Owens Racing schedule was to obtain an experienced, full time crew for practice and race day staff. After a comprehensive and detailed search, Team Owner Mike Owens selected Brad Atkins from Summerfield, FL. Atkins is well known in local and regional series, and currently is employed with DGM Racing and ARCA driver Mario Gosselin. “We were impressed with Brad’s knowledge and enthusiasm, and his work ethic is second to none,” said Owens. Other key additions included Bobby Orr and Mike Somebody. With all the changes, the team was not quite sure to expect for the 1st Goodyear Challenge Series event of the year. But the new Owens Racing crew would be put to the test early. Several early cautions slowed the race considerably, sending a number of cars to the pits early. Alli would become a victim, when on lap 28, several cars piled up in front of the Giles Electric Chevrolet. Alli was able to keep her car from making contact with the outside retaining wall, but was collected by another car, causing significant damage, including the radiator. As Alli was pushed into the pits, the team immediately went into crisis prevention mode. After several innovative modifications, the team replaced the radiator in record time enabling Owens to rejoin the field to gain valuable points and as many positions as possible. “I was so impressed with our new team,” said Owens. “Last year, that would have been the end of our night. That type of effort spreads throughout the team and shows we are focused and optimistic about the 2006 racing season.” Owens was able to avoid the many accidents and cautions that plagued the 100-lap feature event to finish 13th. “Overall, I’m really happy,” said Atkins. “For a new team with a driver that had never Raced at Orlando [Speedworld], the troubles during the middle of the race, and the numerous cautions, I think she did a great job and gave us something good to build on for the 2006 Goodyear Challenge Series Rookie of the Year Award.” The next stop for the Owens Racing Team will be April 1st, 2006 at Bronson Motor Speedway for the 2nd round of the Goodyear Challenge Series. For the latest team news and photography visit www.mcallistersportsmanagement.com and www.alliowens.com Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!