(11/12/2018)
2018 was a career year for Chico native Michael Sayre. The big story in the offseason for Sayre’s racing program was the switch from a division on the brink of extinction, the Economy Sprints, to a new, more cost effective Crate Sprint Car class. The aim of the division change was to provide closer racing at a lower cost, allowing some who had never had the money to race a sprint car the opportunity to do so.
For Sayre, the division change couldn’t have gone better. Throughout the 2018 season, Sayre showed incredible consistency. Sayre did not finish out of the Top 5 despite most nights having 8 or 9 cars, including 2 runner up finishes in the first four races, and 4 third place finishes over the 9 race slate. Sayre also collected two Heat Race wins late in the season.
As the season went on, Sayre found himself in a fierce battle with Cameron Haney Sr. for the track championship. Haney, like Sayre himself, is one of the biggest proponents of expansion for the division, even making multiple trips to Nevada in an attempt to get the division going in the state.
Going into the final points race, Sayre, Haney, and Jaylon Deas all went into the night with a mathematical chance to take home the crown. Unfortunately for Sayre, it was one of his very few off nights this season, taking home 4th, while Haney won the race, and the championship.
Asked about the 2018 season, Sayre had this to say: “This was my third year in a Sprint car and I made huge improvement in my driving. Finally found the ” feel I’ve been looking for.” Big shout out to my good friends and fellow racers R.C. Smith and Brandon Powell. They coached me and dialed the car in for me so I was comfortable.”
Michael would like to thank all of his sponsors and supporters, including:
Scott Netto Trucking
Mountain Mike’s pizza
Pettersen Motorsports
Nor Cal performance
Tiner Hirst Enterprise
Mathews Ready Mix
Season Stats:
2nd in Points
Starts: 9
Top 5’s: 9
Heat wins: 2
March 31st: 3rd
April 21st: 2nd
May 12th: 3rd
June 9th: 2nd
June 16th: 5th
July 3rd: 3rd
August 18th: 3rd
September 1st: 4th
October 27th: 4th
Best finish: 2nd twice
Worst finish: 5th (June 16th)
Interested in having writeups like these done for your race team throughout the season? Contact Daren Ricks of DRC Motorsports Media here on Facebook, at darenricks999@gmail.com or at (916) 229-7474 to discuss a plan that fits your team’s needs.
Daren Ricks
DRC Motorsports Media
DRC Motorsports Media 