For Immediate Release
April 25, 2012
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Damaged Racecar Ends Brandon Thirlby’s Bid For The Player Hater 50 Win At Winston



by Matt Prieur
Traverse City, Michigan (April 25): After winning the Prelude to the Player Hater back on April 13th, Brandon Thirlby was looking forward to the 6th annual Integra Shocks / Keyser Manufacturing / Player Hater 50 at the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of Winston Speedway, located north of Muskegon in Rothbury, Michigan on April 21st.

The night started off well enough as the Traverse City, Michigan stand out dominated in his Qualifier Heat Race and things were looking up when he drew a three (3) starting spot for the 50-lap main. “We had an amazing car and I think it really showed all race long. After winning our third Heat Race in three weeks, we were ready for the 50-lapper,” Stated Thirlby.

“We started third in the feature and stayed there for a good portion of the race. I took it easy for a while, in preparation for saving my tires to come on later in the race,” Continued the 24-year-old. “When I decided it was time to make a move, the eventual race winner took abrasive action and ended my night abruptly. I had to pit with some pretty major body damage, a blown right rear tire and a broken right rear shock.”

“But, just as I expected, numerous fans came down to the pit area to tell me how great of a job I was doing until this racing incident occurred.” Thirlby remarked. “I would like to thank all the fans who came down afterward and kept my head held high, it meant a lot to hear all the nice things people had to say about my racing season thus far.

After the events of the Player Hater, Thirlby and crew are busy preparing for the end of April with two races in two days starting on Friday, April 27th at Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for their 2012 Season Opener. Then on Saturday, April 28th at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the tracks’ 7th annual Ice Breaker / Opening Night 2012 / Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night.

“We’re retiring ‘The Big Horse’ for a couple of weeks to repair the body and suspension damage. We'll be bringing out the oldest car with smallest motor that we've named ‘My Little Pony.’ He added. “It should be interesting adjusting to the horsepower and suspension difference, but I have confidence that we'll still be able to get the job done.”

As for the rest of the season, the Thirlby Automotive teams’ primary focus will be on the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour where he will chase after the series Championship beginning on Saturday, May 19th at I-96. “Bill Long and Andy Stebbins have put together an amazing series and I plan to hit every show. That’s going to be our main focus this season.” He ended.

For the 2012 racing season, Thirlby’s familiar black and purple #m14 UMP Super Late Models which is a Mastersbilt Racecar will carry sponsorship decals all season long from Thirlby Automotive as well as Homestead Motorsports, FK Rod Ends, Integra Racing Shocks, Allstar Performance, Micro-Armor Racing, and M.P.H. Promotions.

For more information about Brandon Thirlby and the Thirlby Automotive  Racing and to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 season, check out the Brandon Thirlby Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com and search for “Fans of Brandon Thirlby” You can also go to the Thirlby Automotive website as well located at: www.thirlbyautomotive.com