Only nine Supermodifed Racing League entries were on hand for the season opener Saturday at Tucson Raceway Park in Tucson, Ariz., but Troy Regier, driver of the No. 98 S&S Motorsports, gave the fans a show they won't forget.
The 2004 SRL driver and owner champions did not take long to show their winning ways.
"The car was tight, and Troy qualified fifth-fast out of the nine cars," said car co-owner Steve Shaw. "But all the cars were pretty close together in qualifying."
Shaw said Regier started third in the heat race, which he won.
In the main event, Regier started on the front row, outside position. At the green flag, drivers in the first and third positions got a good jump on Regier.
"Slowly, Troy was able to pass John McCann and eventually pass A.J. Russell," Shaw said.
"They were clean passes on both and they were racing on a very abrasive surface. The car got loose on Troy."
Russell was able to pass Regier to take the lead back, when a caution came out on lap 18.
"Troy was able to make adjustments to the car on the yellow," Shaw added. "He was able to pass A.J. on the outside to regain the lead and went on to win pretty easily.
"It was a very decent main event. These guys gave the fans what they go to a race for. It was a 40-lap main event.
"It wasn't pretty, but we did it. We did struggle just a bit."
Co-owner Tom Silsby said getting the win was a good way to start the year.
"Troy's just on top of it," Silsby said of Regier's driving.
"He got passed twice by somebody, then to come back and pass him again - we were real pleased. Most drivers might just give up."
Silsby said he feels everything went well with the new engine though they weren't as good as they normally are.
"It's a process of seeing what works," Silsby added. "But we still won. Troy's a great driver."
The Supermodifed Racing League next visits Madera (Calif.) Speedway May 14.
n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
