ASA: Robbie Pyle Takes Over Ride with Wal Tom Racing

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 29, 2001

Schwartz will make limited starts in preparation for two-car effort in 2002

Burr Ridge, Illinois – The Wal Tom Racing team has announced the addition of stock car veteran driver Robbie Pyle. Pyle will take over lead driver responsibility from Brian Schwartz, who is in his rookie year. Schwartz will continue to dr ive select races, and assume the responsibility of car chief. All changes are effective immediately, and Pyle will drive in the upcoming Textilease Medique 300 at South Boston Speedway.

The announcement was made during a team meeting following the Lakeland, Florida race.

“We are delighted to bring Robbie on board,” said Tom Gleitsman, co-owner of the team. “He provides us exactly the right experience we need to make us more competitive and to provide leadership to Brian. Brian has great driving talent, but is new to this l evel of racing and we believe his exposure to Robbie’s years of experience will bring him along much faster.”

The plan is for Schwartz to race in select races in a second team car in preparation for a two-car assault next season. Schwartz will continue as a lead player in the car development aspect for the team.

“We made this decision well before this race, over the previous several days, and with considerable thought and discussion,” said the other co-owner, Walter Gleitsman. “We wanted to make sure we discussed this with our entire team first, face-to-face, befo re publicly announcing the changes this week. We had that meeting very late Saturday night after the race with everyone present. We are convinced that this is the best long-term move we can possibly make for Brian, Robbie and the team as a whole.”

Bob Cumbow, an experienced driver, owner and crew chief, will continue to serve as the team’s crew chief.

Pyle is an established and respected racer in ASA and other racing series. He finished second in the race for the Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year in the 2000 ASA ACDelco Series, and 10th overall in national points standings. He gained two pole posi tions, took two third-place finishes and nine top-10 finishes in his rookie season. He resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Judiann.

“This is the best mesh of people for me to be associated with right now,” said Pyle. “For me to really improve over last season, I needed to get with a more experienced team. Therefore, this really is an ideal situation for me. The team has a great pit cre w who can perform lightening quick stops and get us out fast, which will be key in winning some races.”

Schwartz is a skilled car fabricator, and youngest son of a highly respected racing family in the Chicago area. Father Bruce (Beau) Schwartz and Brian’s older brother Bruce Schwartz are experienced racers in their own right.

Text provided by Jeremy Troiano

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.