CORR: Mike Savage aims for Sportsman 2 championship

Privateer Mike Savage Competes for CORR Sportsman 2 Championship

Mike Savage and his #267 Savage Construction Kumho Tire Ford F-150 are currently in third place with just 4 rounds of racing left in the 2005 Lucas Oil CORR Sportsman Series. The first eight rounds of racing saw Mike Savage finish in the top 5 in every round. His consistency has put the team only 8 points behind the second place truck of Dan Baudoux. This accomplishment is somewhat remarkable since several of the top teams have major corporate backing.

The Sportsman 2 division is very similar to the elite Pro-2 trucks that compete at Championship Off-Road Racing's top level. The biggest difference between the two classes is the limitations on cylinder head design and the use of a restrictor plate under the carburetor. Even so, horsepower is still king, which is an area the Savage truck needs to improve upon. "We had plans for a new motor this spring, but we decided to freshen up our current powerplants, and make sure the rest of the truck was well-prepped for the 2005 season," noted Mike Savage.

To keep team in the front pack, Mike depends upon his volunteer crew, the dependability of his truck's design, and his own driving abilities. "My family and friends really keep our program together. I also can't thank Ed Cherek at Kumho Tires enough. The tire combinations they have developed, have kept our truck competitive all year. Our goal is to finish the every round of racing and be competitive every time out. These last rounds of racing at Bark River and Crandon are wide open and fast. Our truck isn't best suited for these tracks, but that hasn't stopped us before." -- Mike Savage.

Currently Ben Wandasega has a firm lead over the rest of the Sportsman 2 field, but anything can happen. Mike Savage is one competitor to watch as the season concludes with an August 13-14 in Bark River, Michigan and finally Labor Day Weekend at the Borg Warner Championships in Crandon, Wisconsin.

You follow the results of the remaining rounds of Lucas Oil CORR Sportsman Series @ www.corracing.com and at Savage Racing website, www.savageoffroadracing.com

The entire Lucas Oil CORR Sportsman Series will be broadcast on SPEED beginning later in the year.

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