Mike Balzano Kicks 2007 Season Off At Volusia
Parkersburg, WV
Feb 23, 2007
Mike Balzano made the 800 plus mile trip to the Volusia Raceway Park this past week to not only open his 2007 season but also the UMP DirtCar and 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series campaigns.
A strong field of 92 cars signed in for the 30-lap UMP DirtCar sanctioned event on Monday. Balzano struggled in his first appearance of 2007 but salvaged a 16th place finish in the night’s A-Main event. After a night of discussion with the team, Mike and crew made a few adjustments to his Polino Contractors, Eddie’s Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Rocket Chassis Monte Carlo for the UMP DirtCar event for Tuesday night. Unfortunately the skies opened up and track and series officials had to cancel the Tuesday Night portion of the 36th Annual DirtCar Nationals presented by Mopar Speedshop.
Wednesday night was not as kind to Balzano as he was unable to crack into the 24-car A-Main field. Thursday night was scheduled to be the opener for the 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series but unfortunate weather forced track and series officials to cancel a second night of the 36th Annual DirtCar Nationals presented by Mopar Speedshop.
Friday night’s UMP DirtCar portion of the Nationals was another uneventful evening for the Parkersburg, WV native as again he was unable to qualify for the A-Main feature event.
The 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series was finally able to get their season opener in on Saturday. The 50-lap, $10,000 to win program saw “Blazo†finish second in his heat behind 2-time and defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Earl Pearson Jr. That would put Balzano in the 7th starting position for the 50-lap A-Main feature event. Balzano would fight an ill handling racecar all night but survive for a 14th place finish.
Mike Balzano would like to thank all of his sponsors for the 2007 season: Polino Contractors, Eddie’s Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Rocket Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, and Turbo Blue Racing Fuel, Ohlins Shocks, K Graphics, JNJ Motorsports Media, X-1R Performance Products, Outerwears, Frankland, Hypercoils, Scott Performance Wire, Weld Racing, Mason Racin’, Wrisco Aluminum, and Performance Bodies.
