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As the ARCA RE/MAX Series returns to the dirt for their Labor Day tradition at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds the entry list is looking stout, but one of the sleepers for the Southern Illinois 100 has to be Patrick Sheltra.
Sheltra returns to the dirt on the heels of his outstanding third place finish at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield) last month. The 16th event of the season was the 3400-pound debut of the dirt late model phenomenon’s advance to one-mile clay paved track in a stock car.
Since then, Sheltra has concentrated on the diverse racing schedule but the 21-year old rising star couldn’t help notice the return trip to the dirt on a annual holiday celebrated all over the world that resulted from efforts of the labour union movement, to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.
“I’m psyched about going back to the dirt, ” said Sheltra, an ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie. “We had a flawless run at Springfield last month just came up two positions short. We’re going into DuQuoin not holding anything back and looking to grab a win on the dirt. ”
Sheltra, nicknamed “Mr. Showtime” knows he’s facing some tough competition on Monday, but that doesn’t seem to faze or even bother the talented wheelman.
“DuQuoin is going to be a lot more challenging than Springfield, but that’s fine with me. Racing is all about competition and I am all about that. There’s going to plenty of dirt track aces on the track with me on Monday. They are going to be tough, that’s no secret, but that doesn’t rattle me at all. I have a great team and we know what we’re capable of. We’re bringing the same car we had at Springfield, so that gives me even more confidence about my second trip to the dirt. ”
When asked about the diverse ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule, Sheltra offered, “That’s why I am here. The schedule that the ARCA RE/MAX Series provides benefits several different types of drivers. Places like Pocono Raceway or Gateway benefit road racing aces. Tracks like Springfield or DuQuoin play into the hands of dirt track masterminds and the other tracks have the opportunity to benefit any type of driver. For me it doesn’t get any better. ”
He continued, “We’re in the stretch of three races in eight days and that’s pretty challenging. In addition to the ARCA Series, I’m also keeping my dirt track car plenty busy, but it’s very helpful. The more time I’m behind the wheel of a car, the more I’m focused as a driver. We’re trying to leave our mark in the ARCA series as we begin to wind down the season, the Southern Illinois 100 is another opportunity to do that. ”
Labor Day is known in the United States as a day of relaxation, barbecues and fellowship but Labor Day means a whole lot more for the driver of the Sheltra Motorsports team.
“Labor Day is a day to celebrate the workers. But I don’t call my guys workers, I call them teammates. Without them, I would not be racing at all, let alone Labor Day. It’s because of them we’ve made the progress we have this season and I don’t forget that. I want to award them with a victory Monday afternoon, that’s the biggest gift any driver can give their team on Labor Day. ”
Continuing their sponsorship of Sheltra’s No. 60 entry this weekend is CP Concrete Products, US Construction, SawHorse Outfitters, Brady Ranch and FloraGanics.
