Critchley oh so close to first AMS/TLR win,
gains valuable points at JEG’S Northern SPORTSNationals
(8-1-2005) HEBRON, OH – The AMS Pro Mod Racing team owned by Dave Wood and driven by Aussie Troy Critchley had a solid outing this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio at the JEG’S Northern SPORTSNationals. Critchley piloted the ‘41 Willys to a runner up finish in the first race that was actually the second round of eliminations that were left over from the cancelled race in Belle Rose, La.
Critchley marched through eliminations by defeating World Champion Mike Ashley in the quarter - finals. This gave the team a moral boost after taking out Ashley. Driver Troy Critchley stated, “I was pumped to get the win against Mike. He has one of the strongest teams out here. Anytime you can take out the #1 car, it’s a good thing.”
Critchley marched by Doug Palmer in the semi final, which gave the team it’s first final round birth of the year after three semi - final finishes.
That set up the final round between Critchley and Joshua Hernandez driving for Tommy Lipar Racing. Hernandez got the best of Critchley in the final, which was a disappointment for team AMS. Crew Chief Darren Mayer stated, “It was great to make it to the final. We are still fighting this car somewhat although it was better over this weekend than in previous. We gave Hernandez a good battle today and I’m proud of Troy for being killer on the tree all day long, as well as the rest of the crew to give Troy a well-prepared car.”
“We will continue to stay focused and be a contender the rest of year and make a run for the points chase.
Troy also made it to the quarter - finals at this weekends’ JEG’S Northern SPORTSNationals. Critchley, who put the Jackhammer into the field in the #6 spot with a 6.33 sec run at 225 MPH had a strong baseline set-up for the tricky Columbus track. The AMS flagship disposed of Frankie Taylor in the first round with 6.36 sec run to Taylor’s 6.40. Critchley also had a huge starting line advantage .045 second which, in drag racing, is very tough to overcome.
Crewmember Chad Wilson stated, “Troy has been very stout when it comes to his reaction times on the tree lately. It just goes to show that when we give him a car that is prepared well and runs the number, he only performs that much better in the car. It’s all about the teamwork. We all help each other become more productive with our tasks at hand."
With a first round win under their belt the AMS team would have to face Joshua Hernandez once again in the Dr. Moon’s Rage ‘57 Chevy. Critchley, hoping to get an advantage, made a last minute lane change but it was not enough to overcome a slight holeshot from Hernandez and a 6.24 to Critchley’s off pace 6.43. A dejected Darren Mayer said, “We just are fighting getting the car into second gear. It’s not a smooth transition yet. I’m working on it and it gets better with every passing run. We just have been off pace on hot tracks around 200 ft out. I’ll get it figured out, you can be sure of that.”
All in all the team gained some valuable championship points and
gathered more valuable run data to better the racing operation. Stay logged on for all the latest news to
www.amspromods.com and
www.troycritchley.com.
As always, the AMS Pro Mod team thanks, AMS Staff Leasing, Thunderworx
Race Engines, DMPE Inc., Red Line Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, Torco Race Fuels, Goodyear Racing Tires, Richmond Gear, Mechanix Work Wear, Gates Belts, Red Bull Energy Drink, A-1 Technologies and Vici Promotions.
Photo courtesy of CompetitionPlus.Com
