NASCAR-SJAPS: Reutimann Keeps String Alive
6 May 1998
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL -- David Reutimann hasnt recorded a win in the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series this season. Even with three top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes, he is not in first place in points.However, there is one category in which Reutimann is on top and no other driver can catch him. Following the May 2 race in Kenly, N.C., Reutimann is the only driver who has completed 100 percent of the laps run so far this season.
After six races, Reutimann has managed to finish in the lead lap in every event. It is a tribute to the efforts of a low-budget, hard-working team with a determined driver.
Weve got a good car and the guys that work on it, you just cant say enough about their efforts, Reutimann said. We just got through running five races back-to-back and weve been right up there.
The Reutimann Racing team is lead by crew chief Buzzie Reutimann. If that name sounds familiar, it should. The father of last years Port City Racing Rookie of the Year in the Slim Jim All Pro Series is the same Buzzie Reutimann that has won over 1,000 feature races and was recently inducted into the D.I.R.T. Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Other regulars that help work on the #00 are Shawn Reutimann, Mike Rudder, Billy Carlbert, Jim Robinson, Cody Carlbert and Davids wife, Lisa.
While some of the other teams show up at the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series races with custom haulers, spare engines and in some cases, a backup car, Reutimann racing is what you would have to consider a no frills race team.
With one car, one engine and no big dollar sponsorship, the team shows up each week ready to do battle with what they have. They dont feel sorry for themselves, they just want to race.
Racing is what I do for a living, David Reutimann said. I love it and thats what matters. It would take a lot of pressure off of us if we had a well financed race team, but in the meantime, we are going to continue to do the best we can with what we have.
With the mega-dollars involved with motorsports, it is always good to know that hard work and dedication still play an important role in the sport. So far this season, 1001 laps have been run in NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series racing.
And for now, Reutimann racing is the only team that has completed all those laps. After finishing fourth May 2 at Kenly, N.C., Reutimann racing has a break before the next race on May 22 in Odessa, Mo.
During the break, the team will refresh their engine, replace parts and repair the car and head to the track with their heads held high, trying to keep the streak alive.
