Season Ends with
Disappointment for Frantz
The Frantz Racing Team entered the 10th
King of the Mountain weekend with high hopes. Twenty-three Sport
Modifieds took time trials where Frantz timed fifteenth fastest,
locking the Haines Exxon/Aamco Transmissions #210 into the 100
lap feature.
Paul made a wedge adjustment prior to the start of the race in
hopes of improving the car's handling. Unfortunately, the
adjustment didn't help. Paul quickly fell to the back of the
field. An early caution allowed Frantz to pit for adjustments.
On the restart, he was able to move forward a few spots, but the
handling was still off. The leaders were setting a fast pace,
causing Frantz to lose a lap during a thirty lap green flag run.
Just before half way, Frantz pit for fuel and right side tires,
as well as another adjustment. The car got better and Frantz
started passing cars. While coming through the field, Frantz was
involved in a few mishaps. Paul held on to finish eleventh. The
finish also dropped him from fifth to sixth in the final point
standings.
After the race Frantz apologized to his crew stating:"Sorry
guys, I missed the set up. I should have just let the car
alone." Frantz also thanked everyone at Sweeney Racing for their
help on all the pit stops," I have to thank my crew for never
giving up tonight as well as Late Model champions Mike Sweeney
and his team for their help."
Frantz also had to thank everyone who helped him this season. "
I really have so many people to thank. My sponsors; Aamco
Transmissions of Stroudsburg, Haines Exxon, Associated
Chiropractic, D.E. Cressman Ins., Brian's Auto Body, Morgantini
Race Engines, Nathan Shive of MetLife, and Jim Remaley. I also
have to thank my crew; Shaun, Nikki, Jim, Duane, and really my
Dad. I have to thank Mike Odwazny for giving me the this year.
Hopefully, we can do better next year.
For the Tour Type Modified race, Paul's dad Russ came out of
retirement and ran the Bill Teel/Future Homes #16. It was the
first time since the 2002 King of the Mountain Russ had raced a
modified. He timed nineteenth, forcing him to run one of the two
consolation races.
Russ won the consi, and started seventeenth for the 150 lap
race.
Shortly before the half way break, Russ had methodically driven
up to sixth. During the break, the team found the left rear tire
had gone flat. Just prior to the restart, Russ had to pit for
fresh tires.
He would restart twenty-second. By lap 130, Russ was back up to
seventh. A spin on a late restart due to debris on the track,
sent the 2000 winner to the rear. He was able to come back and
finish twelfth.
After the race, Russ stated: "We had a good car. I never really
had to push the car, until after the spin."
Car owner Teel said:"Man, we ran a lot better than we finished.
That flat tire at half way really hurt our strategy, but I am
very pleased."
Next up is the annual awards banquet November 14th. As always,
for more information go to
www.frantzracing10.com.
Source: Frantz Racing PR
Posted: October
17, 2009