The spring showers on Friday night at Spartan Speedway caused track promoter Jim Leasure to cancel the show. Hopefully there's a better forecast for next Friday and the heated season-long battles for the Champions of 2009 will continue.
Meanwhile I have had the privilege to sit down with four of Spartan Speedway’s 2008 Track Champions and ask them a few questions. Present were Jimmy Gallagher, No. 25 Super Late Model ; Leroy Ellis, No. 50 Modified; Jack Koone Jr., No. 01 Sportsman; and Edson Rowley III No. 55 Pony Stock. Spencer Drake, No. 28 Pure Stock the only champion unable to join us.
Q: What do you think the 2009 season is going to bring to Spartan Speedway?
A: Jimmy Gallagher says that the changes Jim Leasure made over the winter will make the races more exciting. He believes that with the kids getting in the pits for free will make it more family friendly.
A: Leroy Ellis thinks the economy is worse off right now, but Jim can still get a decent crowd. “This is one of the cleanest tracks around and I would love to see it succeed” Leroy said.
A: Jack Koone, Jr believes that because of the new tires and the new rules there will be more drivers, which will bring in new fans. Jack also stated the prices at Spartan Speedway are very reasonable.
A: Edson Rowley III said it will be lots of fun. There are more cars, more fans, and more Pony stocks!
Q: When did your racing career start?
A: Gallagher “I started in 1985 at Owosso Speedway driving a Late Model.” A: Ellis “My first season was1990. My father (Bill Butler, No. M1 Modified), brother (Jim Butler, No. M2 Modified), and grandfather (Glenn Butler) all raced, it's all in the family.
A: Koone, Jr “I started in 2006 and received the Rookie of the Year honors at Spartan Speedway in 2007 when I finished 5th in points.”
A: Rowley III “I started racing BMX, RC cars, mountain bikes at a very early age. I started racing cars in Auto Cross until moving to the Pony Stock division in 2007.”
Q: Who was your mentor, teacher or idol before you started racing?
A: Gallagher “It was Mom and Dad, of course and also probably Alan Taft, who used to race in the 70's and 80's.”
A: Ellis "My father has taught me everything I know!"
A: Koone, Jr "Phil Massuch. I met Phil at the track and we became friends!"
A: Rowley III “It was my Dad, who lives out in Colorado now that got me started with road racing and autocross.”
Q: Everyone has a “big fish” story... the one that got away. What is your big fish story?
A: Gallagher “It was either the 2005 or 2006 Harvest at Spartan Speedway. I had led all 85 laps when the caution came out when I broke the bolt on the trailing arm. The other would be I was running 2nd at the Harvest when the left rear tire blew and ended my night."
A: Koone, Jr “It was the last 3 years running at the Harvest. My foot took over my brain and I got too aggressive. I want to win the Harvest and then I might think about moving up to the modified division." A: Rowley III “I missed [winning] the championship at Springport last year by 3 points. Todd Metz, Sr. took it away from us!"
Q: Tell me about your favorite or most memorable fan interaction?
A: Ellis "My biggest fans are my family. They can't always get to the track, but I love to win with my family there!"
A: Koone, Jr “My wife and Mom. They have to be my biggest fans. They go to every single race. I also love seeing the kids after the races and letting them sit in my car.”
A: Rowley III “There is a 3 year old little girl that loves to go to the races every Friday night. She stops by the car after the races and I let her sit in the car.”
Q: What current competitor of yours do you most admire?
A: Gallagher “Dave Stehower because he is such a gentleman and always races clean.”
A: Koone, Jr “I admire all of the racers for their will and want to win races.”
A: Rowley III “I love to race [against] Wayne Beckner, Jr. The Beckner's are wonderful people and they help you out as much as they can.
Thank you to Jimmy Gallagher, Leroy Ellis, Jack Koone, Jr, and Edson Rowley III for taking their time to share a few thoughts with us!
