Joey Tanner, a former dirt late model front runner, was able to learn valuable information in preparation for a potential 2010 ASA Northwest Late Model Tour championship.

For Immediate Release: Joey Tanner Racing Media Relations

TANNER LEAVES SHOWDOWN WITH GOOD HANDLE ON NEW SEASON

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 3, 2010)-Joey Tanner brought a brand new Port City chassis to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Super Late Model event last weekend and despite some damage suffered during a mid-race restart, the former dirt late model front runner was able to learn valuable information in preparation for a potential 2010 ASA Northwest Late Model Tour championship.

Tanner’s team, led by crew chief BJ Tidrick, had the International Parking Management Chevrolet Impala dialed in from the start of last Thursday’s practice sessions and continued to make improvements throughout the two-day event.

“(We posted a top-5 qualifying effort on the new car which) says a lot about my guys,” Tanner said. “To have a car just come out of the box fast like ours is tough to accomplish but my guys and BJ made it happen.”

While some chassis work is ahead for the Tidrick’s Quality Transmissions crew to get the car right for the March NWLMT opener, Tanner is confident that everything will be just fine when it rolls out at Evergreen Speedway.

“We made several changes to the car while we were in Irwindale to fit the NASCAR rules because we brought (the car) set for ASA. It’s going to take a bit of work to get it back plus the damage from our wreck will need to be addressed,” the Oregon native said. “I have total confidence that the team will have this Impala ready to rock and we’ll be fast out of the trailer once again.”

Having the chance to debut a new race car and get settled back into a racing groove was one of many highlights of the Irwindale weekend, Tanner added.

“One very important thing we were able to take away from Irwindale was being on the track and getting comfortable with how this car drives. I have been able to adapt pretty quick to our new Jody’s Chevrolet so we didn’t make any aggressive changes. One thing’s for sure; I definitely got adjusted to our new car which may not be good news for the Northwest drivers this season.”

Getting the comfort zone of a new car is tremendous, Tanner noted. Chasing NASCAR stars such as David Gilliland and Rip Michels made for some added educational value.

“The Showdown really gave Joey Tanner Racing an extra boost of confidence about our chances of getting a championship in the Northwest,” Tanner explained. “Being able to fight through adversity from the start and battle up front with the likes of David Gilliland and Rip says a lot about our team. We think that with the right luck we should have a car capable of running for a championship this year without a doubt.”

Just four weeks into the new year and one race under his belt has Tanner looking ahead to several great opportunities outside the Northwest if all of the pieces can come together.

“As of right now there might be an opportunity on the horizon for some big time racing for myself in the coming months. We’re really happy to have the support of IPM, Montana Raceway Park, Jody’s, TQT and the other businesses that jumped on board for the Showdown and we’re hopeful of putting some things together for later in the year.

“We know that the Tour is a big focus along with heading out for a shot at winning the Apple Cup in April at Yakima Speedway (where Tanner picked up his biggest late model victory last October in the Fall Classic) then focusing on the Montana 200 and Washington 500 weekends and hopefully some big events in other parts of the country. Our team’s schedule is on the website at www.joeytanner.com so fans can stop by and take a look, drop me a line and learn a little bit more about this team and our plans.”

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