Myers powering the URSS
By NICK SCHWIEN
There's a quiet confidence that comes with Jeff Radcliffe.
But the Hill City racer knows most of that bravado has to do with what's under the hood.
The only problem is Radcliffe isn't the only United Rebel Sprint Series 305 sprint car driver with that swagger powering the way. In fact, there are nearly 20 drivers in the series with Myers-powered engines as well.
"I know I have a Myers engine under the hood, and that lets me know I'm not going to be underpowered at all," Radcliffe said.
"Myers has a good reputation for building engines. ... I know I'm going to get the best horsepower I can out there."
Myers Engine Service, located in Ness City, has built a solid name for itself in the 305 sprint car class. And the business has benefited from the URSS.
Owner Craig Myers estimates his company has 10 engines on lease to URSS drivers and 10 more they have built specially for other drivers in the series.
"We've had quite a few in the winner's circle, even on some lease engines," Myers said. "Quite a few of them have won races or been in the top five each night."
Radcliffe is hoping to put another Myers' engine in victory lane this weekend at the inaugural Wheatshocker Rebel Nationals at RPM Speedway in Hays. The two-day show kicks off Saturday and finishes up Sunday for the all-division clash that is expected to bring in nearly 60 drivers.
Radcliffe hopes his Myers engine holds strong like it has all season.
"I run it as hard as I can, and I've never had a problem with it," he said.
Radcliffe, his brother, Shawn, and father, Larry, also run Myers engines when they're out on the track. So to do Ken Lutters, Corey Lutters, Reed Bernbeck and Mike Woodruff, to name a few more.
The list of Myers-powered machines also includes 2007 series champ Smokey Fairbank, who also won rookie of the year in 2006.
"He takes care in this deal," Fairbank said about Myers. "He wants this deal to work, to make it grow. He's building them the right way -- to last the whole year. And he's got a dyno there that helps out."
Myers is constantly working to give drivers the best engine possible, and he loves the gratification his company and employees receive when one of his engines takes the checkered flag.
"It gives all of us down here at the shop some pride to see them out there circling the track," Myers said.
No doubt, Craig is a great person and he is obviously a helpful cause for the rise of interest in dirt track racing. For him to be leasing motors for very little cost shows how big of a fan he is of racing. My hats off to Craig and all the people down at Myers Engine.
(Posted by: Tod)
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