Jim Wahlie Hires Danny Lasoski

Wahlie, Lasoski to Join World of Outlaws in 1997 LIMA, OH (December 13) - Danny Lasoski, one of sprint car racing's most popular racers, has been hired by Wahlie Motorsports to drive the #1W Conn West Freight Systems Maxim on the 1997 World of Outlaws' tour. I'm really excited about running full time with the World of Outlaws again," Lasoski said. "Our goal last year was to set the record for victories at Knoxville Raceway, but now I want to run with the World of Outlaws to see if can win championship. I know it will be tough to do, but we're going to give it our best shot." "I've been working on Danny for three years," team owner Jim Wahlie said. "I flew him out here for three days and we put the deal together. He's really excited about joining our team and going back out with the World of Outlaws. Guy (Forbrook) helped the situation when he stopped racing before the end of the year and went to work for Jack Elden." Lasoski has won a record seven Knoxville Raceway track championships. With eight victories at the legendary half-mile oval last season, "The Dude" set the record for career feature victories at the "Home of the Nationals." Wahlie captured the 1992 All-Stars Circuit of Champions title with Kevin Huntley as his driver. They also shared the 1993 championship with Frankie Kerr and Stan Shoff. Jeff Shepard and Keith Kauffman have driven for Wahlie the last two seasons. "I met Mr. Wahlie when Kevin Huntley was racing for him. He called me three years ago and wanted to put something together, but it just wasn't the right time. He approached me again a few weeks ago and said he wanted to run World of Outlaws circuit. I went to see him and Marshall Campbell, and we put a deal together." "We sold everything we had and we're starting over," Wahlie said. "We have new motors and new cars. We'll use Maxim cars and Marshall Campbell will be our crew chief. He's been building engines for 25 years and has worked with Ronnie (Shaver). "There's a serious chemistry between Marshall and I. In 1992, our first year racing with the All-Stars, we won the championship with just one of Marshall's motors. We never blew a motor." The team's major sponsor is Conn West Freight Systems, a company Wahlie owns. Energy Release, Halibrand, Goodyear, Maxim and All Pro Cylinder Heads will serve as associate sponsors. WoO