Northeast Crate Nationals Gets Additional Support From Fastline Performance
Story By: ROB HAZER / KING OF DIRT – FONDA, NY – Often drivers put pressure on themselves to perform at a high level. They understand starting off it may take time, but for some success comes quickly. Once a driver tastes victory the pressure to achieve it again can be overwhelming. Even the greatest of all-time will say they are their biggest critics. That’s a big part of why Mike Walton succeeds in helping so many stand out drivers reach victory lane.
Mike Walton has been around racecars his whole life. When he reached the age of 16 his interest in suspension had already grown to the point where he’d work on repairing damaged shocks. He got out of the shock business quickly though, because he was chasing another dream. Walton wanted do drive.
He grew his understanding for racecars from top to bottom and became a feature winning wheelman. Walton’s success behind the wheel created unbelievable pressure to perform as a driver from a familiar source, himself.
By pressuring himself far too much for success it took a bit of fun out of driving an open wheel dirt racecar. His relief would come in 2013 when friend and then Fastline Performance business owner Bruce Harwood came calling.
Harwood reached out to Walton with a plan that was too good to pass up. Walton’s racing career behind the wheel would seemingly come to an abrupt end. His story of success however, continues through his passion for helping others achieve victory.
A new chapter in his tale began with the acquisition of Fastline Performance from the aforementioned Harwood roughly two years ago. With his knowledge of racecars already in place and his working relationship with a shock expert, it was only a matter of time before Walton mastered the business.
He now serves many customers some of whom earn 20-30 wins a season. Now Mike Walton has joined the team of marketing partners for the Northeast Crate Nationals, a race he’s been involved with since 2014.
“I get a chance to help hundreds of teams each week. I love seeing ideas I have work. Some don’t work at all, but we keep trying. It’s rewarding to be a part of their success,” said Mike Walton, owner of Fastline Speed & Performance.
With his love of the sport, happy customers, and proven success Walton is a great fit with King Of Dirt Racing and the Northeast Crate Nationals. He enjoys the Nationals program and the KOD series.
”I enjoy the way KOD is ran to be honest. Very down to earth and I love how every car coming through the gate is treated equally. They all have the same chance as the next driver. There is no favoritism and the promotions are out of this world,” said Walton.
For Mike Walton and Fox Shocks it will be their 4th year supporting the Nationals, but their first year as a presenting sponsor. They join Dodson Construction (6th year), 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (4th year), Buff’s Auto Service (2nd Year), Electric City Taxi (2nd Year), Andy’s Speed Shop (1st Year), Burt’s Tree Service (2nd Year), and Next Generation Roofing (3rd Year) as those who help make the Nationals a success.
The Northeast Crate Nationals takes place September 8th at Albany Saratoga Speedway, as part of the King Of Dirt Racing DIRTcar East Sportsman Tour. Also on the card is the KOD Small Block Nationals and Pro Stock Showdown.
