The Quick 32 Sportsman Series top five for 2009 –
Michael Kalin – Fourth Place
YOUNGSTOWN, NEW YORK (October 20, 2009) – For a racer who was still getting his feet wet with a new dragster in 2009, Michael Kalin became a quick study.
The Western New York native placed fourth in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts Championship Point Award Series, and said recently he is pleased with his efforts and the new series.
“This was a lot of fun and really cool,” said Kalin, who drives a Mullis Race Cars dragster powered by a nitrous-assisted 632-cubic inch engine. “I was a little disappointed in my own performance, but the series is a great program.”
Kalin, who was competed for more than two decades, and has been a fixture in the Quick 16 programs at tracks such as New York International Raceway Park and Dunn Tire Raceway Park (Lancaster), the dragster was a new ride from his Top Sportsman Corvette, as he wanted to concentrate with the Top Dragster in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series in 2009.
Kalin raced at all six Quick 32 Sportsman Series events for the season, always qualifying. Although he was a first-round loser in a couple of events, his year was highlighted with a victory during the Stratford Spectacular Hot Summer Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex. He said at the time he was having some mechanical problems during the August race, but overcame them to win not only the Top Dragster side but take out the Top Sportsman entry for the overall championship.
“It was a tough one,” Kalin remarked about his victory. ”But I’m having fun. How can you not have fun when you win?”
Sponsored by 24 Hour Tire Service in Niagara Falls, New York, and DB Designs in Lewiston, New York, Kalin said he will use a different strategy when he returns to the circuit next year.
“I played some games with the others this year, and I think that was a big mistake,” he admitted about his performance. “Rather than trying to mess with my opponents on the ladder I should have just gone out and raced.”
Kalin also said there will be a few small changes to the car for next year, including some engine tweaks to get it in the 6.40-second range. He also has thought about racing his Corvette next year, but has pretty well dismissed running a two-car team.
”I thought about running the Corvette,” he said. “But I really don’t think so. I think I’ll leave it at home and stay with the dragster.”
Kalin was also the winner of the Bear's Performance Products - Dash 4 Cash Bonus that will be presented at the Champions Banquet.
The PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series Championship Point Award Series winners will be honored at the Champions Banquet on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at The Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel in the Oak Room in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
For more information, contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher Bruce@Quick32.ca
Photo Credit: Bill Mehlenbacher Photography - www.nxphoto.com and Dale Boeru - Canadian Drag Racing Photos - www.canadiandragracingphotos.com