Champion Racing Association Series (CRAS) - Redemption On Deck For Johnny VanDoorn

FORT WAYNE, May 18, 2011: It’s only fitting that this weekend’s Champion Racing Association Series (CRAS) event at Baer Field (Ind.) Speedway is dubbed the Asphalt Wars 100. For Johnny VanDoorn and his Kaos Motorsports team they have a war of their own to conquer this weekend after uncharacteristic troubles erased the team from competition at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway two weeks ago.

The two-time and defending champion VanDoorn is more than determined to climb behind his No. 61 Paragon Corvette Reproductions / Baker Engineering / JEGS.com Chevrolet and bounce back not only from Anderson but make a statement that his team will march forward towards yet another championship.

“I’m ready to get back after it this weekend,” said the Coopersville, Michigan native. “Anderson was tough to swallow – but we cannot nor will we let that finish stand in our way, we’ll be there this weekend to win, bottom line.”

Despite VanDoorn’s confidence, the rising star is also well aware of the track’s daunting character. Baer Field (Ind.) Speedway known for his aggressive pavement and unforgiving tweaks have the former CRA Rookie of the Year on his toes but, ready to pounce.

“Even though Baer Field is flat, it’s very slippery and wore out,” VanDoorn explained. “It’s also very hard to get a grasp on it. It’s a track that you definitely need to use patience but also have to be ready to attack when the timing is right.”

He continued, “Butch (VanDoorn, crew chief) and the entire Kaos Motorsports continue to do a great job in the shop and building really fast race cars giving us an opportunity to be in contention each and every race. We have to survive this weekend, but I want to survive and have a shot to win. Push comes to shove though; you’ll definitely see some classic short track racing as the laps wind down.”

With sponsorship still difficult to acquire these days, VanDoorn is appreciative and grateful to have his Chevrolet bow-tie decked out with support. Baker Engineering, Earth Service and Supply, Jegs.com, Magic Transportation, Paragon Corvette Reproductions, Port City Racecars and R and R Wire Loom will all hold placement on the team’s General Motors automobile this weekend.

“Without the help of all of our great sponsors and supporters, we would not be racing,” said the driver very humbling. Words cannot express my gratitude for what they do not only for me but this team. We’re all inching forward to that one goal of winning the championship again, but it sure would be nice to get them a win on Sunday to make up for Anderson.”