Updates From The Track - 12/19/2011

After Austin's live phone interview with Kurt Hansen Race Central Radio out of Denver he met up with a few others at the race track: Chris Brooks, a sports writer and a big fan of the sprint cars and Phil Jorgenson photographer, writer and owner of the Oval Express Magazine. Most of the drivers came by and welcomed Austin back to Austrailia, along with an oil representative from Joe Gibbs Racing. He told Austin "you win this race tonight and I'll put you on the Joe Gibbs Racing web site."

Austin has had only a few hours in this new chassis. He's still dialing it in and finding the proper gear ratio for this track was as much of a challenge as the race.

With only a few hot laps at this track they went right to the heat races. There were 41 entries with 4 heat races total. 10 laps each and the main event 20 laps with only the top 20 qualifiers.

The first heat Austin started in 8th position and he fell back to 14th when the car in front of him stalled on the start. Austin recovered and passed 9 cars and took 4th. Back to the pits chassis adjustments were made and a gear change. The 2nd heat started Austin in 5th and finished 3rd. He wasn't happy with his gear change but said he had the chassis dialed in. A new gear was put on and Austin qualified for the main.

The main event had Austin starting 5th row inside, during line up laps Austin said the carburetors were loading up so he dropped a gear cleaned up the motor and had a great start. Within the first lap Austin went from 9th to 4th but heard a rattle and through the drive chain parking him for the rest of the race. He and his pit crew found the right gear and had the chassis set for the main to be a top contender.

The Oval Express starts in 12 days with 8 races over 10 days he is not sure if they will be able to find a race before that or not, but I think he has got his new car figured out.

 

In 2009 and 2010, Austin living in Perth, raced the Western, Southern and Eastern race tracks of Australia with his team owner Craig Okley dragging across the outback racing at 20 different tracks and logging more than 11,000 miles in 90 days.

In October 2009 Austin came in as a no name and a rookie but after his first race was respected as a competitor. Austin won many races and broke 3 track records in his short stent Only 50 of the top drivers in the Country qualify for the biggest race of the year, The Oval Express 8 races in 10 days at 6 different tracks. Austin was shoed in due to his performance in 2009 -2010 stay. He leaves for Australia December 4th and returns home January 13th.

 

Sponsorship Letter

Austin Farley, who will be one of only two American young gun drivers selected to race in this major event, left Denver December 4th, 2011 for Australia, to hopefully set new racing records!

He will be staying with Tony Van Ginneken and others during his stay, as he tries to win the Formula 500 Oval Express Series.

Austin and Tony (one of his sponsors and motor builder) will fit his seat and rent a track to shake down the new car and dial in the motors. They also hope to get in a race or two more before the start of the Formula 500 Oval Express Series, the BIGGEST Racing event of the year.

Craig Okely (the team owner), Tony and many others have sponsored most of Austin's race and stay while in Australia. However as you will see, it is still a very expensive venture and we are looking for some help in sponsorship dollars if possible, knowing times are tough. All sponsorship dollars from you or your company will be much appreciated.

Austin has been racing competitively for 9 years throughout the United States and Australia. Two years ago Austin was one of the top three favored young guns to win the Formula 500 Oval Express Series! Unfortunately he was sideswiped while lapping the field and his car was tossed into a violent three flip accident! Hold CNTL key and click the following link to see the relative article and photos: Photo Album

The Formula 500 Oval Express Series is 8 races in 10 days (Friday December 30th through Sunday January 8th) and is very demanding on the driver and pit crew. The tracks range in size from 1/8 to 3/8 mile and are banked from 10 to 30 degrees in the corners. These multiple conditions require additional shocks with different compression and rebound, offset wheel centers to change the roll center of the car and transfer weight to a specific tire. What we have will work, but the additional parts we are seeking, will make for better handling of the car and much more competitive racing.

For example, tires of different compounds from soft, medium and hard, as well as the size of tire to help create stagger, are one of our biggest expenses. We re-groove our tires after each race to get the most out of them but there is only so much rubber on them and heat cycles they can take. On the bigger tracks, Austin will hit speeds over 110 m.p.h. entering into the corners and he will have to be able to bank on that tire to stay up and stick to the track! Slowing down is not an option as Austin is there to maximize his equipment and WIN the Formula 500 Oval Express Series!

 

SPONSORSHIP NEEDS

 EIGHT sets of tires will be needed for this event at a cost of $550.00 per set

 FOUR additional shocks cost $250.00 ea. or $1,000.00

 FOUR additional offset wheels cost $ 250.00 ea. or $1,000.00

 EIGHT race entry fees, pit passes and race fuel at $250.00 ea. or $2,000.00

 Daily living allowance (food, drink and personal) $50.00 x 40 days or $2,000.00

All tires are used to the maximum for a safe run. For example, tires used for qualifying and main events are used for hot laps and practice the next race and occasionally for a heat race. New tires are changed for qualifying and the main event.

Racing is huge in Australia. This major event draws over 10,000 spectators a night and is televised in Australia and should be seen on YouTube here in the states as well.

Austin and I are seeking additional sponsorship dollars to help defer cost associated with this trip. Any company or individual that contributes will have their logo or name proudly displayed on the wings or body of the car. International exposure can be seen by millions on television and internet.

Thank you so much for your consideration!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Austin and Bill Farley

Austin Farley (720) 299-6744

Bill Farley (303) 901-3950