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I sat down with 2008 Kalamazoo Speedway champion Andy bozell, Late Model drivers Steve Needles, and T.R. Senneker to discuss the upcoming 2009 season.

"It will be a struggle, with the tough economy.  But, the car count will be strong",said Andy.  Terry added, "Hopefully, we will be able to maintain the compitition.  There are alot of top notch teams, with top notch equiptment." 

Getting to know these drivers I asked when their racing carees began.  "I drove go-carts from the age six to sixteen, then ran a limited late model for a couple of years before jumping into a late model", said steve.  "I drove a sportsman at Berlin Speedway in 1999, made the switch to late models in 2006 at Kalamazoo Speedway and have been running competivie since" adds TR.  Andy then said, " I belive it was 1983 at southwest motor speedway (prestently known as Mottville), in the bomber division (known today as the the streetstocks). " 

I then asked the driver who was their mentor/teacher/idol, before or durning their racing career.  "My father.'" says Andy.  Andy runs his fathers no.83 out of respect for the elder Bozell.  The same goes for Steve Neddles.  Steve has run the no.14 out of admiradion for A.J. Foyte.  "He is the toughest talented driver I have ever seen."  Says Steve.  "I would have to say my Uncles Bob, Rich, and Pete." Says TR. 

Every one has a big fish story, the one that got away.  "What is your big is your big fish story", I asked.  " 2007 Latemodel Jones Race at M-40.  I was purposely wrecked," said Andy. " Mine was also in 2007", says TR,  "I was the leader mid-way through about lap 80 of 150 two cars got together holding me up." " I have to share both of these stories," said Steve.  The 2008 Kalamazoo Klash I set fast time.  I started 18th, about 24 laps into the race the oil pump belt went and so did our klash hopes."   He then went on to say, "the 2007 season championship also slipped away from us."The last night of points, all I needed to do, was to finish 4th in the feature to beat Andy for the championship.  we fought for the lead ( Andy and I ), A lap car and I tangled, causing the lap car to spin.  After being sent to the tail, I managed to get up to 7th.  It was real hard to accept."

Whats your most memorable fan interaction?  " I was out at Berlin Speedway, hangin out with some friends.  While sitting in the stands, people recognized me, and asked for autographs.  I never even ran out at Berlin Speedway", said Steve.  " For me, I enjoy all the autograph sessions", said TR.  " I enjoy hearing from the fans who are primarily there to watch me race", Adds Andy.

What current competitor do you most admire?  "It would have to be TR, my son ( Phil Bozell ) of course, and Thom Thomas", said Andy.  "Mine would be Andy.  If  I beat Andy, I know championship I am doing good", said TR.  " That guy can come out of no where, hes always there", said Steve ( speaking of Andy Bozell ).

Looking into a crystal ball, how do you think the 2009 season will end?  " Hopefully a championship.  We have the best equipment.  It was a set goal with all our momentom leaving the 2008 season." said Terry.  Steve said Hopefully our team has a one, two finish.  Its possible but I dont 100%  expect it."  "Hopefully the 2009 season will end with a Kalamazoo Speedway Track Championship", says Andy.  Its wishful thinking, winning some of the big shows we'll chase in 2009.  Alot of traveling."

Well, I thank you all for sitting down for our discussion, and good luck on your upcomming season.