CARS Pro Cup Series Weekly Pre-Season Notebook –Feb. 3rd

Tire Test Info and Catching up With Agnew

Series PR

Pre-season work and preparations continue for the 16th season of Pro Cup Racing with more tire testing, track visits, team registrations, the signing of contingency sponsors and new ticket sales programs. 

The season opener at Anderson Speedway, on March 24th is seven weeks away. 

Tire Testing Continues:  Another round of tire testing was completed this week.  Results of pre-season testing are being compared and a decision on the 2012 CARS Pro Cup tire manufacturer and supplier is expected soon. 

Thoughts and Prayers are with Jim Byrd:  AJ Frank Progressive Racing of NY Team Member Jim Byrd was critically injured in a motorcycle accident recently and is currently hospitalized.  The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the CARS Pro Cup Series are with Jim, his family and his team during this difficult time. 

Automotive Specialists Taking Spec Engine Orders:  Keith and Jim Dorton, creators of the new spec engine approved for competition this season in the CARS Pro Cup Series are taking orders for new engines and will continue to take orders for those teams wishing to use the spec engine this season.  Existing engines can also be rebuilt to the new specs by Dorton, or you may purchase and Engine Update Kits for the engine builder of your choice. 

Teams wishing to have new engines by the Season Opener are encouraged to contact either Keith or Jeff at 704.786.0187.

Five Questions with 2011 CARS Pro Cup Series Champion Jeff Agnew:

Off-season activities and preparations?

Jeff Agnew:  Working on our Pro Cup cars and getting them ready to run also working our trucks for the Camping World Series.   We are looking to run about 11 races there this season beginning with the Martinsville race. 

2012 Season Outlook?

JA: As far as PC goes, we are looking to run well again, and make 100% effort to win races.  With the anticipated change from the radial to the bias ply tire, it is going to be an interesting challenge this year.  The cars are set up for the radial tire, so we are going to have to go back and look at notes from five to six years ago.   

Favorite Race Track?

JA:  I don’t have a favorite.  I like New River, since we ran late models there forever.  I really can’t pick a favorite, I like to race and race on all kinds of tracks.  I enjoy going to all the different tracks, so I really can’t pick a favorite since I enjoy them all.

Hometown & Family?

JA: Floyd, VA.  Moved here with my parents when I was three or four years old and I still live here with my wife Susan and our daughter Arianna (13) and our son Ashton (8).  

Hobbies outside of racing?

JA: I like to play any sport – golf, baseball and basketball with my son.  I do that any chance I have.  I just like to be active, get outside and do things. 

For more information, please visit www.carsprocup.com or call Jay Baldacci at 704.507.8034.

Jeff Agnew talks about 2012