Schedule Jammed Pack In ’17 For Ray Christian III
Column By: MATTHEW WIERNASZ / RPW – UNCASVILLE, CT – Ray Christian, III will contend a very jam packed schedule heading into 2017. He is planning to run a full schedule at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, New London-Waterford Speedbowl and the ACT Tour. Christian, III believes he will have a couple conflicting dates with ACT and the Speedbowl but that won’t happen until mid June.
The ACT Tour and the ACT Late Model have become a big part of Southern New England over the past couple seasons. Southern New England tracks such as Thompson, Waterford, and Seekonk, run ACT Late Models as part of their Late Model division. If you own one of these cars all you have to do is make a couple tweaks to this car. Christian, III believes it is a good thing.
” This is absolutely awesome. This year we’re planning five different states with the same car. Two countries because we’re going to Canada for one show. Its just a nice feeling to be able to change gears and go to another race track we’ve never been to before.” Christian, III Said
Christian, III qualified for the ACT Tour Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last fall during Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend. Christian, III believes it was one of the best racing experiences he has ever had.
” To be able to get in that car and do 145 (MPH) 150 (MPH) was an unreal experience. I can’t wait to go back this year.” Christian, III Said
For Christian, III its more of an incentive to go back to the ACT Tour Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
The competition on the ACT Tour has some tough competition. Christian, III believes racing with those guys makes you a better racer. Christian, III believes if he can contend with the other competitors on the ACT Tour then he knows he is doing something right.
Running the ACT Late Model was the next feasible step for Christian, III from the Mini Stocks. He has always liked Late Model racing over SK Modifieds. He and the team decided it was best to go Late Model racing. Christian, III cannot say enough about the ACT program with the crate engine program, he believes it second to none.
” The way they do their engine program is fantastic. You’re never getting beaten by somebody else with more money. You can’t get outspent in an ACT car.” Christian, III Said
ACT Tour President Tom Curley will be in last season of racing as he has been in this sport for 40 years. Many have had a run in with Curley but everybody has a lot of respect for this promoter who has done a lot for short track racing for many decades.
” Tom Curley is a great guy. The program he puts together every week is second to none. He doesn’t take no crap. That’s just him but you know that going in and that’s a great thing. The way he runs his show. I just hope someone picks the reigns up when hes ready to call it. Somebody picks up the reigns and runs with it because the program he puts together is absolutely fantastic.” Christian, III Said
His goals for 2017 are to win a championship at the Thompson or the New London-Waterford Speedbowl and also contend for Rookie Of The Year in the ACT Tour.
Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park will kickoff their 2017 season next weekend with the Icebreaker March 31st-April 2nd.
The ACT Tour will kickoff their 2017 season on Sunday April 9th at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH for a 150 lap race.
The 2017 season will kickoff at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday and Sunday May 6th & 7th.
