Photo by "Tailgate" Rodriguez
A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court
Driver Number Seven- “The Hurricane” Andy Gregg
Rio Vista, CA – January 10, 2012…Finishing seventh in the Golden State King of the West Series standings this past season was none other than Seven-Industries driver Andy Gregg, who returned to the traveling 410 Sprint Car tour for the first time since winning Rookie of the Year in 2004.
Gregg had competed part time in the Golden State Series over the last few seasons, but at the beginning of the year made the commitment with car owner Bret Ervin to follow KWS full time in the beautifully designed No. 53 sprinter.
“I’ve really wanted to follow the 410 stuff full time over the last few years and we were excited to be able to do it this past year,” said Gregg. “We definitely wanted to come out on tour because we knew the competition level would be high and the extra purse and tire giveaways helped a lot as well.”
The decision to follow the Golden State King of the West Series paid off for Gregg, as he accomplished a long time goal in May of this past year. Twice before in his career the Placerville, California driver had taken the white flag as the leader of a Golden State 410 main event, but both occasions resulted in him not making it to the checkered in that position.
Ironically one of those races came at the Santa Maria Speedway in 2010 and when KWS visited the track for the first time this past season, Gregg had a night to remember. Starting sixth in the feature, the always flamboyant driver worked his way forward and eventually passed former series champs Jonathan Allard and Brent Kaeding to finally secure that elusive first traveling 410 series win.
“That was a real important win for our whole team,” commented Gregg. “I had won with Civil War and various other tracks, but to get my first Golden State KWS win was something I’ve always wanted to do. It was great to knock that off my bucket list and being on the podium with Jonathan (Allard) and Tim (Kaeding) made it even better.
At the end of the season Gregg was locked in a three-way fight for the fifth position with Willie Croft and Jason Statler, before finishing just behind the duo to lock up seventh in the standings. He earned five top-five finishes, seven top-10’s, one dash win and one Pit Stop USA hard charger award.
“I think the year overall was everything that we expected,” said the 31-year-old. “Starting out the season we were just hoping to make every race and we did that, so that was a big thing. To get a win was awesome and now in 2012 my expectations will be even bigger. I really have to thank Bret Ervin Racing, 7-Industries, Wheel Vintiques, Autism Awareness Steve & Scott Van Den Broeke, College Cyclery, the Hot Rod Shop, BR & King Racing, Peterson Media, Tarvin Images, Studio 5 Photography, Myers Motorsports, Hinchman and Bell.”
To get more inside on Andy Gregg take a glimpse at his appearances on “KWS Tonight” located at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15873356 and http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14322151
Also check out 7-industries on the web at http://www.7industries.com
The Golden State King of the West 410 Sprints would like to thank the following companies for their support this season: Goodyear Racing Tires, Pit Stop USA.com, Kaeding Performance, Hoseheads.com, Grant’s Fine Art, Auto Meter Products Inc., Contingency Connection, Maxim Chassis, Amerikote, Abel Chevrolet, Bully Dog, Red Horse Performance, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, Hunt Magnetos, Weld Racing, Racing Optics, Butler Built Performance, HoservilleCA, Angellos ATV Rental, Rogue Regency Inn, Williams Motorsports, DES Inc. and Simpson Percherons.
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- Gary Thomas on Jan 10, 2012
- Article Date: 1/10/2012 by Gary Thomas