Damon Racing continues Trans-Am Series TA-2 escalation
with refined shop and track preparation
August 4, 2016
Like any racecar driver,
Damon Racing’s Tom Sheehan likes to be in the racecar. In between the last Series
race in Brainerd, Minnesota and next weekend’s Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented by ETE Reman in
Lexington, Ohio, the team owner and driver has kept himself busy with advances
in both the team and its preparation.
Bow, New Hampshire:
While competing within the Trans-Am
Series, Damon Racing has continued to push toward winning races and finishing in
the top-5 in TA-2 class points. With support from dedicated crewmembers Billy
Wenk and Pete Potvin, Crew Chief Jamie Aube has been able to increase his focus
on more technical aspects of the racecars. Together everyone is confident in
the team’s future.
“We have two events up-coming where it is going to be vital we're
absolutely prepared,” pressed Aube. “We’ve learned that we also need to
minimize the time necessary to fine-tune Tom’s racecar come Thursday’s test days.
However, we have gained big-time on our Hot-Rods and I am confident in
everyone’s ability.”
After transporting their racecars over 1,500 miles to
Brainerd, Minnesota, the crew adjusted the set-up of the #97 Chevrolet to
support Sheehan with what he revealed as, “my best racecar of 2016.” But just as the TA-2 stalwart began his pace
lap, power steering troubles took over the fate of his LTK Insulation
Technologies Chevrolet, consigning the team to an 11th place finish.
“My guys had given me a very competitive Chevrolet,” added
Sheehan, “and I was really enjoying my time in the car. We had practiced well
and showed good speed in qualifying. We absolutely strengthened our race set up
in the last practice.
“When the steering began to stumble on the out lap,” continued
Sheehan, “I felt terrible calling-it in to my guys. It was all new stuff, new
parts; the team had worked so hard. It was a heart breaker.”
As a four-time NASCAR Busch North Series Champion, Crew
Chief Jamie Aube knows what it takes to win. Since Brainerd, he and Billy Wenk
have spent plenty of time analyzing, re-building and preparing. Aube is adamant
the LTK Insulation Technologies Chevy’s are reliable and fast, and that they
are stringently prepared for next weekend’s Mid-Ohio race and for the end of
August event at Road America.
“With Tom racing well at both those tracks,” Aube adds, “we
have solid chances on doing well. We also realize we have to stop any gremlins
from developing to do well. Therefore, I believe, we are better prepared now than
at any other time. I am confident those issues won’t reappear.”
“Jamie (Aube) shows me everyday why he’s a multi-time track
and NASCAR Champion,” details Sheehan. “Right now our shop is humming to where I
can’t wait to get back in the race car. I am anxious to show off our stuff and
believe we’ll be hitting our stride here shortly - I can’t wait to get back
into the race car.”
Next - 50th Anniversary Trans-Am
season's race at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course. Saturday will be the Pura Vida Tequila Muscle Car 100 Presented
by ETE Reman (101.96 miles/45 laps/75 minutes. This is one of two dates combined with NASCAR’s Xfinity Series that
promises to bring big crowds and lots of excitement.
While attending any Trans-Am Series event come
into the paddock and stop by for a visit with Tom Sheehan and the Damon Racing
team. Look for the bright yellow #97 LTK Insulation Technologies Chevrolet
Camaro.