Follow Max Force Racing on Facebook and Twitter!

Pictures on this site are the sole property of Max Force Racing, Tommy Praytor and Thomas Praytor. Pictures may be used with the free license CC-BY-SA 4.0.

 


MOBILE, ALABAMA
 Winner's Don't Use Drugs!
This site powered by
Praytor Properites
"We put the Petal to the Metal"


Home

 Thomas "Moose" Praytor

2021 Thomas Recaps

Click Here for Copy of Fan Guide

Sponsors

 Thomas Career Stats

Thomas ARCA Stats Racing Reference

Tommy Praytor Bio
 


 Final Destination 4

Racing for
Ronald McDonald House

 Sponsors
 Crew
Showcar
 Media
 2005 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

My Home is in Alabama Tour


Thomas Praytor
News & Photo's

2021 Photo Gallery
2020 Photo Gallery
 2019 Photo Gallery
 2018 Photo Gallery
 2017 Photo Gallery
 2016 Photo Gallery
 2015 Photo Gallery
 2014 Photo Gallery
2013 Photo Gallery
2012 Photo Gallery
 2011 Photo Gallery
 2010 Photo Gallery
 2009 Photo Gallery
 2008 Photo Gallery
 2007 Photo Gallery
2006 Photo Gallery
2005 Photo Gallery
2004 Photo Gallery
2003 Photo Gallery
2001& 2002 Photo
2000 Photo Gallery
1999 Photo Gallery

Tommy Praytor Photo's
2012 Photo Gallery
 2011 Photo Gallery
 2009 Photo Gallery
 2008 Photo Gallery
 2007 Photo Gallery
2006 Photo Gallery
2005 Photo Gallery
2004 Photo Gallery
2003 Photo Gallery
2002 Photo Gallery
2001 Photo Gallery
2000 Photo Gallery
1999 Photo Gallery
1998 Photo Gallery

Cup Sponsorship  

Tribute Pages
 Jamie C. Praytor
 H.T. "Tommy" Praytor
Gene Tapia

Links to Alabama Tracks
 Montgomery Speedway
 South Ala Speedway (Opp)
 Mobile Intl Speedway
 Pensacola Speedway
Sunny South Raceway

Send Mail to:TPraytor@aol.com

 

Race Recaps 2012


 

Whats Trending Over the Weekend? Moose #2 on Al.com

 


While the Moose was making noise at Daytona, the story of the Moose and his Senior Bowl sponsored Mobile, Alabama based race team was one of the top trending local stories on al.com over the weekend. “It’s Daytona, we’re living a dream that every racer that straps on a helmet has. Add to it we’re a home grown operation and even people who don’t follow racing are watching,” said the Moose. “Whether it’s racing, football, baseball you name it, people from Mobile love to pull for a Mobile guy.”

 

al.com
 Traffic stop shooting: A man from the Pinegrove Community in Baldwin County was shot by Baldwin County deputies and Bay Minette police officers at a traffic stop Sunday as he reached for a shotgun. Authorities had been looking for the man following a domestic dispute reported on Saturday.

Praytor at ARCA: Mobile native Thomas "Moose" Praytor turned a lap of 182.537 mph at an ARCA Racing Series testing this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. That time was good enough to be the eighth-fastest lap for the weekend.
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/heres_whats_trending_sandy_roc.html

 

9 Links Created this weekend on al.com for Thomas testing in Daytona

 

http://search.al.com/thomas+praytor?date_range=d6

 

Praytor and Mobile Team Solid in Daytona Testing



 When thinking of racing at Daytona, names like Hendrick, Childress and Roush come to mind but Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Mobile based Max Force Racing team are working on establishing a Port City connection. Praytor and his team made their first outing in the ARCA Series this weekend participating in the 3 day ARCA test at Daytona International Speedway.  “With a new team and a car prepared out of our race shop in Mobile we had a lot of unanswered questions going in to Daytona. I think our first laps put us in the top 20 and both my Dad and I finally took a breath,” offered Praytor. “Our Senior Bowl Fusion powered by Roush Yates Engines was flawless mechanically all weekend. Nick Ramey and the guys at Roush are incredible. Crewchief Lee Leslie and our crew made my job as the driver easy.”  The Mobile based team posted impressive numbers throughout the 3 days of testing with Praytor reaching a top lap speed of 182.537 miles per hour, the 8th fastest speed of the test with over 50 drivers taking time. “Two of our goals for the test were to earn the respect of the ARCA garage and prove our Mobile team could compete at this level. Hopefully our performance on and off the track this weekend shows were serious about what we’re doing.” The Daytona ARCA 200 will be the first race of the 2013 ARCA season and kick off Speedweeks in Daytona on February 16th, 2013. The live TV broadcast on SPEED is the most watched ARCA broadcast of the season, Praytor just hopes he’ll be watching the action through his windshield and not on TV. “It took everything and everyone we know to put together a quality effort for the test. We’re working with several marketing partners to make it possible to go back and race. We’ve been working as hard on sponsorship as we have on the car, hopefully we’ll have the same kind of success we had on the track.”

Picture: Max Force Team pushing Senior Bowl Fusion into position for another run at Daytona International Speedway.
 

Moose Drafts To Top 10 In Day 2 at Daytona

In the second day of testing at Daytona International Speedway, the Moose, Thomas Praytor, rumbled up to the 8th spot on the speed chart during the afternoon drafting session. “We made big gains during the morning session and really owe a big thank you to Wadell Wilson at Jerico for help with our gear selection for this weekend. We had a solid start yesterday and the team along with the guys at Roush Yates really attacked the car this morning. We improved our qualifying effort and were 13th before afternoon drafting,” said the Moose. After single car runs in the morning, the Speedway opens for drafting practice in the afternoon. “We really drafted a lot this afternoon. Front of the pack, middle of the pack and shuffling back to the tail end, anywhere I put our Senior Bowl Fusion it was solid.” The final day of the 3 day ARCA test continues tomorrow at the World Center of Speed. Mobile based Max Force Racing team plans an abbreviated day with a long haul back to the Port City.

Picture: Fairhope, Alabama’s Grant Enfinger and the Moose drafting at Daytona International Speedway.

Moose and Mobile Team Solid in First Day of Testing

The Moose, Thomas Praytor, arrived at the World Center of Speed with a new team, a new car and a lot of anxiety over the first day of testing for the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. In the morning session of single car runs the Moose’s Senior Bowl Ford Fusion was solidly in the top 15 at 13th with over 50 drivers at Daytona. “Our Senior Bowl Ford has been awesome all day. We had a lot of concerns having prepared the car in our shop in Mobile but I think we proved today that a Mobile, Alabama team can run with some of the best in the business,” offered the Moose. Today was day one of 3 planned days of testing at Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA Series presented by Menards. “Our guys from Mobile have been busting their butt’s for weeks and it’s paying off. Lee Leslie and the guys from Roush Yates Performance have been incredible. We still have a long way to go but today was a great start in moving up to the next level.”

Pictures: Top-Senior Bowl Ford Fusion at Daytona International Speedway. Bottom-Lee Leslie and Nick Ramey talking with the Moose.

 

Hall of Famer-Mader Schools the Moose

With the test for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway a week away the intensity in our Max Force Racing shop his picked up a notch or two or maybe ten. With a team based out of Mobile, Alabama you seek out the most talented people on the Gulf Coast for help. In Mobile you don’t have to search any further than Alabama Auto Racing Pioneers Hall of Fame 2012 inductee Dave Mader, III. Mader will be inducted into the Hall tonight in Talladega but he has spent the last 2 weeks as lead fabricator and professor for our entire Max Force team in preparing for our first Daytona effort. “Mr. Dave has done everything there is to do in racing and having him in the shop has been a tremendous help to our team and for me as a driver,” offered the Moose. “Mr. Dave has really made some trick aero pieces, they make me feel faster just looking at them. The support we’re getting from the local racing family is incredible.”

Mader’s racing resume is one of the strongest in all of motorsports with over 200 late models wins, ARCA wins and having driven in Sprint Cup, Nationwide and the Camping World Truck Series. Mader also won 4 consecutive NASCAR All American Challenge Series Championship, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988. A unique position that only 3 others have bested. Richie Evans had 8 NASCAR Modified Championships and has already been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Jim Reed with 5 Short Track titles and 5 time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson.

While Mader is headed for enshrinement at Talladega the Moose is headed to Indianapolis for the IMIS trade show and the Annual ARCA Awards Banquet. Daytona test 7 days away.

Senior Bowl Drafts Moose for Daytona Test

 

 

The Senior Bowl will be the primary sponsor for Thomas “Moose” Praytor at the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Test this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Every year the road to the National Football League goes through Mobile with players showcasing their talent in Mobile’s Senior Bowl Game. The Senior Bowl will kick off January 26th at 3:00 PM CST and is college football’s premier senior showcase event, annually featuring the nation’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. “The Senior Bowl is dedicated to showcasing up and coming talent and what better way to promote our game than showcasing an up and coming race car driver from Mobile!” said Phil Savage Executive Director of the Senior Bowl. “Working with the Moose is another example of how the Senior Bowl is reaching out in to the community to form new partnerships.” The ARCA Daytona test is slated for December 14-16th and is the beginning of on track activity at Daytona International Speedway that will lead to Speedweeks in February. “Our Daytona effort is all about being from Mobile and it doesn’t get any bigger or better in Mobile than the Senior Bowl,” offered Praytor. “The Senior Bowl is such a big part of our family with my Grandfather having been part of the Senior Bowl committee from almost the beginning, it’s a real honor to be associated with the game.” The Praytor family will hold it’s 44th Annual Senior Bowl Tailgate Party at this years game and it has become one of the must stop parties in Tent City.

Picture: The Praytor’s Annual Senior Bowl Tailgate Party 1993. The Moose is the under the Y in Praytor on the banner, Thomas hasn’t missed a game since he was born and his Dad Tommy hasn’t missed one since the Praytor Family started taking the neighborhood kids in 1969.

 

The ARCA Series will begin the 2013 season at Daytona on February 16th, 2013. The second stop on the tour is Mobile International Speedway for the ARCA-Mobile 200 on March the 9th.

 

About the Senior Bowl

Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the 2013 Senior Bowl please visit the bowl’s website at www.seniorbowl.com.

 

Roush Yates Motor In, Moose Closer to Daytona

The dream of taking our Mobile based Max Force Race Team to Daytona took another step towards reality at Roush Yates Performance this week. Our team delivered an empty car to the Mooresville North Carolina facility and the team at Roush Yates brought the Moose’s Ford Fusion to life. “I just can’t say enough about Nick Ramey and the guys at Roush Yates, Wayne, Jimbo, Sam, Junior everyone we worked with couldn’t do enough to help us,” said the Moose. “As a Late Model team making the next step we’re learning from everyone and the Roush Yates guys are some of the best in the business.”

Big time help didn’t stop with the motor, behind the Roush Yates power plant is a Jerico drive train from 3 time Daytona 500 winning crew chief Waddell Wilson. “Mr. Wadell was winning at Daytona before I was born. To have him working on my car was a real honor.” While the motor and drive train were being installed crew chief Lee Leslie was creating a list for our Max Force Team to work on back in Mobile. The ARCA teams in and around Mooresville were all offering any assistance they could to help our start up team. “Howard Bixman, Grant Enfinger’s crew chief from team BCR came to get some parts at Roush Yates and I think we pretty much ended up taking everything he didn’t have nailed down in his shop. We even had to borrow some gas from Howard to get the car on the dyno!”

New race teams have unique problems like ARCA gas that is a different octane than the gas used in our late models. Another unique problem is tires. Most teams save tires from last year or the last race to set up their car. A superspeedway tire is completely different than any other tire and extras are out of the question. Even Team BCR had theirs under padlock. With a helping hand from Hoosier Tire and our friends at FedEx a new set complete with wheels and inner liners arrived in Mobile on Friday.

 

 

A tough byproduct of preparing for the Daytona test, is having to withdraw our entry from the 45th Annual Snowball Derby at Pensacola’s 5 Flags Speedway. Missing this years Derby will be the first time that our race team has not fielded an entry at the Super Bowl of short track racing, ever. “We knew the days were getting close and the Snowball might not happen. We were hoping to be able to do both but it’s just not going to happen. Thanks to Speed51.com we’ve been able to keep up. We’ll be working hard on the Daytona car on Saturday and heading over to catch the Snowflake and the Snowball.”

 

A short week in the shop and the Moose will be headed to the IMIS Show and Annual ARCA Banquet in Indianapolis. The Daytona ARCA test is now less than 2 weeks away and our team is in full thrash mode.

 

Pictures: Top Max Force Racing Fusion on Chassis Dyno at Roush Yates Engines. Bottom: The Moose getting a special delivery from Hoosier and FedEx.

 

Praytor Preps for Daytona ARCA Test with Mobile Team

 

With the drop of the checkered flag at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 2012 regular season is officially over but you can’t tell it in the Mobile, Alabama based Max Force Racing shop. The Mobile based team is wide open preparing Thomas Praytor’s, the Moose, Ford Fusion for ARCA testing at the World Center of Speed, Daytona International Speedway on December 14,15 & 16. After spending the 2012 ARCA season testing and racing for multiple teams in the ARCA Series, the Daytona test will mark the first time Praytor will be behind the wheel of his own car at the National level. “Last year, Andy Belmont took a chance letting me test one of his cars at Daytona. A year later I’m going back in one of our cars, it’s incredible!” offered the Moose. “We’re still working on the sponsorship we need to come back and race, we’re working as hard in that area as we are on the race car. Our job at the test will be to put down a solid performance laying the ground work to return in February. This year’s Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski and his family started out as a local team working their way up through the ARCA Series. It can be done.”

 

The ARCA Daytona test will be the first for the Mobile based Max Force Racing but it won’t be for the critical components of the Moose’s Ford Fusion. The car is a former Greg Biffle Sprint Cup Series Ford that will have fresh Roush-Yates horsepower under the hood. The Ford power plant will be installed and tested at the Roush-Yates facility in Mooresville, North Carolina next week. Couple great power with the expertise of veteran crew chief Lee Leslie and the team has high expectations for the test in Daytona.

 

The ARCA Series will begin its 2013 season with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16th. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 will be televised live on Speed and is the highest rated race of the year.

Bottom Picture: Crew Chief-Lee Leslie and the Moose at Talladega Superspeedway.

Moose Releases 2013 Media Guide
 (Click on link at left to download)


After a huge 2012 season Max Force Racing is proud to release our 2013 Media Guide updated with all the latest from our 2012 season and looking forward to 2013. From our humble beginnings all the way to Talladega it's all here. To download your copy click on the link, if you would like a hard copy please send us an email and we'll get it to you! "We know there are a lot bigger race teams that have accomplished so much more than we have. But every year when we put together the Media Guide it's amazing what we have been able to accomplish out of our Mobile, Alabama race shop," offered the Moose. "Our annual Media Guide is a testament to all the people who help make our race team possible, from the guys at the shop to our sponsors on the car, each page is made possible because of them." The Moose and our Max Force Team have been hard at work on what could be the biggest season in the history of our race team. "Adding selected ARCA Series races to our Late Model program is a big undertaking. Along with the Media Guide we've added a Power Point Marketing Presentation and 1 page info sheets for each of the ARCA races we're trying to make. Plus we're wide open at the shop and it's been non stop."

 

Off Season? Shop and ARCA Sponsor Hunt Wide Open

While the 2012 regular season may be in the record books our Max Force Racing team has the throttle hung wide open. In November our team would normally be concentrating on prepping cars for the Snowball Derby weekend but this November starts with our team slamming on four fronts. The boys are burning the late night oil at the shop working on 3 cars, the Moose’s Snowball Derby car, our Superspeedway ARCA car and bringing Christine back to life (Pictured above). While the shop is in full production the search for next year’s ARCA Sponsors has been on overtime. “Sponsors have always been a big part of our success but Sponsorship for our ARCA program is critical,” offered Thomas. “We’re on the national stage competing against all the big guys, Childress, Hendrick, Gibbs everyone is looking for sponsors. Most people think we’re nuts but unlike the big guys we have a blank piece of paper that we can custom tailor to a sponsor’s needs. Saturday night I watched my old teammate, AJ McCarron, take Alabama to a game winning touchdown with less than a minute on the clock. It can happen for a guy from Mobile, Alabama and we think it can happen with our race team.”

 

Monday marks a significant milestone for the 2013 ARCA season with tickets going on sale for the ARCA-Mobile 200 slated for March 9th. To order ARCA tickets click on map.

 

Moose Shooting With the Sheriff

 

Normally we don’t let the Moose handle anything sharper than a butter knife, certainly nothing that could do bodily harm and definitely not a machine gun! But ONE time a year and under the strict supervision of the Mobile County Sheriff’s SWAT team we let him see how he stacks up with some of the best shooters in the Country. “Compared to the Tactical guys we were all pitiful! My Dad and I are still arguing over who shot the best between us but we had nothing for the Deputies,” said the Moose. “Every year they show us the latest in drugs and what they are seeing everyday on the street. It’s hard to believe people will do that to their bodies.” The Moose, his METH TEXT/THUG TEXT Hauler and his ARCA Realtor Talladega car were on hand for the Sheriff Annual event at their tactical operations facility in West Mobile. “It’s always a fun day and it really makes you appreciate what our guys in uniform go through on the job. Of course I’ve got an 8 x 10 of the group shot over my visor in case I get pulled over in the County.”

 

The Moose is off this weekend but is the final race of the season at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. The Pepsi Next Halloween Demolition Bash got bigger this week with WKRG TV 5 giving fans 5 more reasons to come out Saturday night with grandstand admission prices being lowered to $5.00 and kids under 6 are free! Car to car trick or treating on the frontstretch before the races will start the night followed by the 2 wheeled warriors, Halls Motorsports Motorcycles then Championship races for the Island Motors II Bombers and the Bob’s Speed Shop Sportsman.

 

On Sunday there will be a special fundraiser for 11 time track champion Gerald Wilkerson at Rick Crawford’s Neon Moon Saloon from 2:00-4:00

Busy Off Weekend for the Moose

9-29-12: The Moose wasn’t slated for any on track activity this past weekend but that doesn’t mean our team wasn’t busy. The Speedway’s latest sponsor, Victory Polaris of Mobile, held a car show for the Bob’s Speed Shop Sportsman ahead of the Polaris Sportsman Challenge slated for October 13th. “We think our car looks cool but Mr. Keith (Stokes Owner VPM) also had a General Lee that was awesome. I think everybody wanted to climb in the window and go jump something with it,” offered Thomas.

Back at the shop the team had a chance to dismantle the Mobile Lumber Super Late Model to find out what caused an early exit to the US Canadian Challenge 150. “The clutch literally came out in pieces. The only good news with finding the problem is that there was absolutely nothing we could do about it at the track. First time we’ve had that happen to us, really surprising.”
 

Heartbreak For the Moose In US–Canadian Challenge

The final race of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series was amped up by SUPERSEAL upping the prize money to $10,000 to win and an opportunity to drive in a NASCAR Camping World Truck at Martinsville making Saturday nights SUPERSEAL 150 the biggest Late Model race at Mobile in recent history. The Moose and our Max Force team attacked the weekend with it’s most concentrated effort trying to keep up with all of the out of town talent headed in for the weekend. “The Miller Lite Series is tough, add $10,000 and a truck ride and we knew we had to bring our A game. We basically moved into the track on Thursday and stayed until the race,” offered the Moose. Thursday night the team practiced long green flag runs on old tires. Lap after lap the Moose put his Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion through it’s paces. Because of the tire compound used, the team that would win on Saturday would have to be good on old worn out tires. Previous races let the team know what lap times would be a winner at the end of the race. Stop watch times were called out to the Moose as he made each lap so he would know where he needed to be to keep pace with the leaders, painstaking. Two days of slipping and sliding. “We learned so much about our setups and what we needed to do to be good at the end. The guys really worked their butts off over 2 days of making change after change lap after lap. By the time we got to Friday night we felt really good about our race setup and then we tried a qualifying effort.” The first attempt at qualifying was less than pretty. What was fast at 100 laps was horrible on 2 laps. After a long afternoon on Friday the team spent Friday night tweaking on the long run setup to get a decent qualifying effort. “Our first mock qualifying effort was horrible. But the Boss kept us pointed towards the big goal. We kept working on qualifying and got it better but it wasn’t great. We knew we wouldn’t be a threat for the pole.”

Ten teams tested on Friday with close to another 20 cars joining the group at the Speedway on Saturday morning. The level of intensity went up a notch or three. The Moose was rumbling in practice posting the 6th quickest time in each practice session. The Moose went out for qualifying and his time was 6 tenths of a second faster than that first effort on Friday night but still only 18th. “We really take pride in qualifying and to be 18th wasn’t great as far I was concerned but the Boss kept us all with our sights set on lap 150. I did feel a little better when I looked at the line up, there were some heavy hitters right there with us.” The Moose would line up behind former MIS Champion, Blizzard Champion and multiple time Snowball winner Augie Grill and just ahead of the SUPERSEAL 200 winner from Canada Chris Skelton. The key to starting in the middle of a power house field is missing the big one and keeping from getting run over while you do.

A fireworks display followed the command to start engines and was the perfect prelude to the fireworks on the 2nd lap. The field made it to the start finish line to make lap 1 then it hit the fan with cars going everywhere in to turn 1 (See in car video). “We were expecting action so we gave everyone a little extra room on the start. I felt like I had the main wreck missed but you always have to worry about getting hit from behind. Sure enough we got bumped on the left front from a car that never saw the wreck.” The race was red flagged and the teams were stopped on the back stretch. Using the Mobile rules to our advantage we pitted under the red flag so the team could check out the damage. A little cosmetic damage but our Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion was in great shape and ready to go.

After the long red flag the Moose was ready to rumble and back under green he was picking off cars 1 by 1. 20 laps into the race the Moose started going backwards instead of forwards. “The clutch started slipping and the motor would rev up then catch before the car would go. It was a handful!” (In the video of the wreck you can hear the motor over rev when the Moose was hit from behind) With the next caution the Moose came to the attention of the crew looking for something we could fix but deep down we knew better. Back under green we sent the Moose out to stay on the lead lap while we worked on different causes and possible cures. After several attempts at possible cures we could get to we called the Moose to pit road for the final time as the leader were about to put him down a lap. To make a short night worse the leaders were pacing the field at lap 40 slower than the times the Moose had been testing at with 80 lap tires. “Really disappointing, everybody worked hard on giving us a great car. Our Mobile Lumber Fusion was really the best I’ve ever had at Mobile. I wish we had a chance to be there at the end. After the last couple of weeks looking forward to a weekend off but I’m sure we’ll get restless pretty soon.”

 

Moose and Mobile Lumber Fusion Prepped for

US–Canadian Challenge

In the last 10 days the Moose has been logging some serious highway miles bouncing from Realtors in Montgomery , to Salem with Venturini Motorsports, to New Orleans for the Realtors Annual Convention and back to Mobile yesterday logging laps in the friendly confines of Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. “The last two weeks have been busy but really rewarding. Being with the Realtor family is awesome and we may have had a little too good of a time in New Orleans . But after getting my butt kicked in Salem in the ARCA race blowing off some steam with the Realtors was a perfect way to start race week,” said the Moose. It didn’t take long for the Moose to get the Mobile Lumber Fusion up to speed on Thursday night. “Even though I’ve got thousands of laps at Mobile I’m always learning. Working with the Venturini’s and Mr. Bill (Venturini) the last few weeks, I’ve had a chance to learn from some of the best in the business. We changed our game plan on how we approach testing and it’s paying dividends.” Another testing session is planned for this afternoon as our Max Force Racing team prepares for the US-Canadian Challenge SUPERSEAL 150 presented by SUPERPRO Coatings on Saturday night.

 

The SUPERSEAL 150 is the final race of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series and the transfer race for the US-Canadian Challenge. Along with a $10,000 payday this weekend’s race takes on even more significance for aspiring drivers with 1 driver earning an opportunity to drive for SUPERSEAL in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville in October. The SUPERSEAL 200 winner from Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, Canada is leading the Canadian drivers against a full field of some of the best late model teams in the country. “The class of teams coming in for this weekend’s race makes our local team an underdog but that’s OK with me, we’ve been bigger underdogs before. My Dad always says the key to winning the lottery is to buy a ticket, well we’ve got a ticket and we’re going to do all we can to cash it in.”

 

 

Moose Goes To School In Salem

ARCA Series rookie Thomas “Moose” Praytor rolled into Salem with his Venturini Motorsports ARCA-Mobile200 Toyota for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic for his 4th career ARCA start. Salem is a tough place for veterans, for Rookies it’s all up hill all day. The weekend started with a huge crowd in downtown Salem for an autograph session in the town square on Friday night. “The town square was packed, in Salem they take their racing seriously. The fans were incredible. In Salem the Kimmels are kings, with Mr. Kimmel (Frank and Bills Dad) there we had some racing royalty with us,” said the Moose.

At the track on Saturday it was all business as the teams prepped for a one day show, tech, practice, qualify and race all in one day. The Moose had been to Salem as a crew member for Andy Belmont Racing and new how tough Salem Speedway was from pit road, now he was going to get a different view. “The racing at Salem is crazy. I tried to get as much advice on how to get around as I could, Will and Frank Kimmel, Bill Venturini, Grant Enfinger and Andy Belmont were all helpful. But nothing really prepares you for the first time you throw your car over the patches going into turn 3, the car bounces 6 feet up the race track up against the wall, you feel like your completely out of control, just when you think you’re going to hit the wall you get it gathered back up and get back in the gas. It’s crazy, it was awesome.” With a great car and some great coaching from Bill Venturini the Moose found himself 12th on the speed chart after his first laps on the Salem Speedway that hasn’t been paved since it was built in the 1950’s. Under the watchful eye of Bill Venturini the Moose continued to improve and the Moose was making a long green flag run when the overhanging wall in Turns 3 and 4 reached out and grabbed his Toyota Camry. “We were having a really good day and I just missed the entry a little bit going into 3, at Salem you can’t miss at all, it’s not a forgiving place, you have to be on you’re A game every corner of every lap.”

The right side of the ARCA-Mobile 200 Toyota was crushed with the right front taking the brunt of the beating. The Venturini crew went to work fixing and patching in a limited time with qualifying lineup just 10 minutes behind practice it was a quick fix. “The guys did a great job but they really didn’t have much time to work on it. Lots of duct tape, pop rivets and checking suspension parts. Because the wall hangs over the track the body took the biggest hit but you never really know about your suspensions until you put the car under pressure.” The team made the inspection line while still working on the car in the tech line.

In line the Moose got the signal to go on track to make his 2 qualifying laps and the reliable Toyota power plant sounded like it exploded when the Moose hit the gas. Sputtering and popping around the track the Rookie was in trouble, a good day had gone bad and was now moving to horrible. The calm voice of Big Bill Venturini saved the day, “Switch the box, switch the box.” Unlike the late models the Moose is use to running, ARCA cars have 2 ignition systems, the A system had gone bad. The Moose switched to the B system and he was up and going. The first lap was down the drain but the Moose was able to scramble to a decent 2nd lap and timed in the 24th position. Later the Mallory ignition rep and the motor people diagnosed the problem as a fried pick up module on the distributor attached to the A system. “Just so much went on quickly, I went form thinking the motor was trashed to switching the box, it fired and then trying to make a lap considering the last lap I’d made was in the wall. I was a little tentative getting back up to speed. Really disappointing, we felt like we had a top 15 car but at that stage of the game I was just happy to make the race in one piece.” Little did the Moose know the adventure was just beginning.

After Friday night in downtown, it should come as no surprise that the grandstands at Salem Speedway were packed for the Kentuckiani Ford Dealers Fall Classic. If the fans downtown were good, the fans at the track were off the chart. The prerace autograph session gave the 66 car mechanics, Bobby, Eddie and Brandon their first break of a long day.

Pre-race ceremonies are always filled with dignitaries. The 60th anniversary of ARCA has seen some of the biggest names in motorsports but Saturday night the standing ovation was for Medal of Honor winner, Sargent Dakota Meyer. Meyer was credited with saving 36 lives in Afghanistan and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by the President last year. “A real honor to meet a true hero. We had a challenging day but when you meet a guy like Sargent Meyer it puts it all in perspective. It just doesn’t get any bigger on or off the track.”

With the drop of the green flag the Moose settled into a top 20 spot on the racetrack and was logging laps, still shaking down his car from smacking the outside retaining wall in practice. 10 laps in some of the mechanical issues the team didn’t have time to get to and couldn’t see in the short time between practice and qualifying started to make themselves known. At a place like Salem, the right front is critical and it takes the brunt of the load every time the car goes into the corner. With each lap issues from the practice crash made themselves evident. “We finally caught a caution and it gave the guys a chance to start trying to work on the car. What normally takes hours to do at the shop they were trying to do in seconds without losing a lap in the pits.” The Moose made several trips to pit road and several attempts at getting back in the action but ultimately the problems would end the night and relegate the Moose to a 28th finishing position. “Mr. Bill and the guys worked their butts off trying to keep us going but tonight just wasn’t our night. Most other teams would have thrown in the towel in practice or with the fried distributor but the Venturini crew kept digging. Really proud to be a small part of the Venturini Motorsports team. I really appreciate the opportunity Mr. Bill and Billy gave me I wish there were some more short tracks on the ARCA schedule.”

The Salem race is the halfway point in a busy couple of weeks for the Moose, in the week ahead he’ll be at the Alabama Association of Realtors Annual Convention (Talladega Sponsor) in New Orleans then it’s back to Mobile International Speedway for the $10,000 to win US-Canadian Challenge SUPERSEAL 150, the final race in the Miller Lite Series with the winner earning a ride in a NASCAR Camping World Series Truck at Martinsville. Maybe there could be another big time short track race on the calendar.

.

 

Moose Flying ARCA-Mobile 200 Hood At Salem

The Moose started the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic weekend with an autograph session for fans in Downtown Salem on Friday night. “I really enjoy the fans they are pumped up about race weekend,” offered the Moose. I called Mr. Frank (Kimmel 9 time ARCA Series Champion) on the way up for a little advice on how to get around Salem’s unique track. I think he’s more stoked about racing art Salem than anybody.”

Technical inspection begins at 8:00 AM with the first of 2 practices scheduled to begin at 12:30, qualifying at 4:00 PM and the start of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic presented by Federated Car Care at 7:15 PM (All times Eastern). Timing and scoring with live race broadcast at ARCAracing.com

On the track, the Moose will carry the ARCA-Mobile 200 logo that was on the hood of his car for the press conference earlier this week. “It’s incredible I’m here, an honor to race for Venturini Motorsports and now carrying my home tracks colors for our biggest race, it’s awesome.”

Moose in Montgomery and On AL.com

L-R Mugs Mullins, Cindy Cauthen, Moose, Jo Glenn, Slade McElroy

The Moose dropped in on the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors monthly luncheon to deliver a plaque in appreciation of their Talladega Sponsorship and to make a special delivery. The Moose delivered 4 autographed tires that were on the Realtor Ford Fusion and a Realtor hood that will be used to raise money for Realtor causes. “Our trip to Montgomery was another rewarding experience. The Realtor family is so big and welcoming it’s incredible. Everywhere I go people have stories about my Grandmother (Jamie Praytor). I love hearing them all. Next week we’ll be with all of the association in New Orleans,” offered Thomas.

Mark Inabinett-Mobile Press Register Story on al.com

Link: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/09/thomas_praytor_returning_to_ar.html

Thomas Praytor returning to ARCA Racing Series at Salem Speedway

Thomas Praytor isn't asleep at the wheel, but he is dreaming while he's in a racecar.

"The Moose" returns to the ARCA Racing Series on Saturday at Salem Speedway for the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic.

"Like I said before I raced Talladega: I'm just living the dream," the Mobilian said. "It's something that I've been looking to do since I was a little kid, and now I'm getting to do it. It's just really a big deal."

While racecar drivers are accustomed to going fast, building a career in the stock-car field sometimes can go agonizingly slow. Saturday's race will be the fourth ARCA outing for Praytor this season. He'll be at the wheel of the No. 35 Chevrolet for Venturini Motorsports.

"Salem is this weekend, and we just found out (Sunday) that we're even going to be going," Praytor said. "It's kind of like they say, 'All right, you're coming.' You've just got to go. You pack your stuff up and you go. I guess that's just racing.

"We're looking forward to it. Venturini Motorsports is one of the biggest organizations in the ARCA Series. We're just doing what they tell us to do, and it's just a great opportunity for me."

Praytor attended the announcement on Monday that ARCA would stage another race at Mobile International Speedway, a Rick Crawford Performance Track, in 2013. Praytor made his ARCA debut in the series' inaugural event at the Irvington oval in March.

Praytor brought his ARCA car to the announcement press conference, parking it in front of Heroes Sports Bar and Grille on Hillcrest Road in Mobile.

"I just wanted to bring my car today so you could all see what next year's winner looks like," he quipped.

"We had a wonderful time this year," he said about MIS' first ARCA race. "Had a good turnout. Had a lot of cars. Had a lot of positive feedback. I think it's good for Mobile to have a big event like that. We've got the Senior Bowl. We've got football; we've got basketball. But we didn't really have a big racing event, and this kind of puts that on the map."

After Salem, Praytor plans to return to Mobile International to run in the final Miller Lite Super Late Model Series race of the season on Sept. 22. After that, it might be back to "doing what they tell us to do."

"I'm hoping to bring (the car) back in one piece (at Mobile) and maybe have it ready for the Snowball Derby," Praytor said. "I'm kind of going back and forth. We haven't quite made up my mind on whether we are going to do the (ARCA) Daytona test or do the Snowball. They kind of run together. I don't know if we can do both. I'd like to do both."

For now, though, he's looking ahead to another track new to him when he hits the Salem, Ind., half-mile oval that has 33-degree banking in the corners on Saturday.

"It looks like one of the coolest short tracks I've ever seen," Praytor said. "I'm really looking forward to driving it."

Moose to Salem With Venturini

The Moose will be back behind the wheel of the #35 Venturini Motorsports entry in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic 200 Presented by Federated Car Care in Salem Indiana. “Really stoked about Salem . I’ve been there working on cars but never had an opportunity to turn laps. The cars run right up against the wall and you have to be on you’re A game at Salem ,” said the Moose. The Fall Classic is a one day show with practice, qualifying and the race slated for Saturday, September 15th. Practice, qualifying and race coverage can be found on arcaracing.com. “To have an opportunity to drive for Mr. Bill and Billy again is really special. The Venturini’s have great equipment and there’s not a better place for a rookie to learn than from the best in the business.”

 

A busy couple of weeks just got busier, the Moose rolls off the 3 day Lee Fields Memorial weekend to the announcement of the return of the ARCA Series to Mobile on Monday at Heroes USA. The Moose will be with one of his Talladega sponsors, the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors on Wednesday then off to Salem for the weekend with Venturini Motorsports. Next week the Moose will spend Tuesday and Wednesday with the Alabama Association of Realtors at their annual convention in New Orleans and then it will be time for the US-Canadian Challenge Superseal 150 and the final round of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series at Mobile International Speedway on September 22nd.

 

Thomas Part of Lee Fields Tribute

It has become a tradition before the Lee Fields Memorial race for the previous year’s champions to drive one of the MIS Pace cars used by Lee Fields in his almost 40 year tenure at the helm of the Speedway. Last year’s Pro-Late Model Champion wasn’t able to attend giving the Moose an opportunity. “My Dad raced for Mr. Lee and he is bigger than life in Mobile . It was a real honor to be a part of the pre-race ceremonies on Sunday,” offered the Moose. The 3 day weekend concluded with the running of the Lee Fields Memorial 150 but not before Super Stock-Truck Rookie David Salisbury finished 7th in the afternoon feature.

 

ARCA RACING RETURNS TO MOBILE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY IN 2013

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return to Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track for the second consecutive season in 2013. Mobile ’s Cale Gale provided a story book ending to the inaugural ARCA-Mobile 200 winning in front of the home town fans.

 

“Winning the first ARCA race at Mobile was a dream come true,” offered 2012 winner Cale Gale. “Rheem gave me a great opportunity and all the pieces of the puzzle fell in place for us to take home the biggest win of my career.”

 

The ARCA-Mobile 200 will return for 200 laps of hard nosed racing on the half-mile, high-banked paved oval on Saturday, March 9th, 2013. The ARCA Racing Series has raced at over 200 different tracks since its inception in 1953, but this will be only it’s second appearance at Mobile International Speedway.

“ Mobile will be the first short track on the schedule following the season opener at Daytona in February,” said ARCA President Ron Drager. “The ARCA Racing Series drivers always put on a good show on the short tracks and Mobile ’s inaugural race is one of the highlights of our 2012 season. Not only did our competitors like the track but our teams also fell in love with the region and the great hospitality offered by the folks in Mobile .”

 

From the short tracks like Mobile , to dirt, to road courses to speedways and superspeedways, the ARCA Series has proven itself to be the most comprehensive driving series in the world. With a diverse schedule and competitive fields the ARCA Racing Series has produced an impressive list of alumni including Alabama gang members, Red Farmer, Davey, Donnie and Bobby Allison and current racing stars, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and Danica Patrick.

 

Not only does ARCA have a rich history, today’s drivers are carving out their own places in the ARCA record books. Current stars include 9 time ARCA Racing Series Champion, Frank Kimmel, current Championship Points leader Chris Buescher, along with Mobile ’s Grant Enfinger, who is always competitive.

 

“Last year the Mobile Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mobile Sports Authority and our elected officials had the foresight to take the ARCA-Mobile 200 from dream to reality. Our inaugural race was a big hit with fans and teams traveling thousands of miles to see Mobile ’s Cale Gale take home the trophy,” offered Manager/Promoter of Mobile International Speedway Rick Crawford. “We had a great show in our first effort and we’re looking forward to bigger and better in 2013.”

Opened in 1964 Mobile International Speedway is Alabama ’s fastest half mile and is currently host to the Sunoco Gulf Coast Championship Series and Miller Lite Super Late Model Series along with a regular schedule of Saturday night racing. Lee and Ida Fields purchased the Speedway in 1972 and for almost 40 years the duo produced “The Fastest Fun Around”. In 2011 the Speedway embarked on a new era of track management when Mobile native, multi time Track Champion and all time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts leader Rick Crawford returned to Mobile to become the Manager/Promoter.

 

Mobile International Speedway is part of a long tradition of Alabama tracks ARCA has competed on. The ARCA Racing Series history in Alabama reaches back to 1961 when, on November 5, Ernie Derr won a 250-lap race at Birmingham . ARCA race events at the Fairgrounds in Montgomery in 1962, at Huntsville Speedway in 1963 and 1965, followed by a long tenure at Talladega Superspeedway (1969-present) have kept ARCA’s presence in Alabama alive over the decades.

 

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 race tracks in 26 states since its inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, visiting tracks ranging from 0.375 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as a left- and right-turn road course in its most recent season. This year, the series visited Alabama ’s Mobile International Speedway and Minnesota ’s Elko Speedway for the first time.

 

 

Moose Swapping Roles For Weekend

Thomas Praytor Lee Fields Memorial: This weekend the Moose will move from the drivers seat to the top of the tool box for Super Stock-Truck Rookie David Salisbury at Mobile International Speedway. “We’ve had David’s truck in the shop for few weeks getting it where it will turn left when it needs to. It’s been a lot of fun for me working with another driver on their equipment,” offered Thomas. “Most of our crew is familiar with how my Dad runs the shop and our team and let’s just say the Drill Sergeant from Full Metal Jacket is the best description I can give. David got indoctrinated quickly when he didn’t hit the corner like he needed to. To his credit he kept digging and didn’t give up. I think my Dad has enjoyed it the most because I’m telling David the same things he tells me every week. We’re looking forward to putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together this weekend and see if we helped him out.”

 

Mobile International Speedway will be in action this weekend, starting tonight with practice and racing Saturday night and a rare Sunday afternoon performance for the Lee Fields Memorial 150. Every local division will be in action over the weekend and on Saturday night the track will host a special 10 man over the top rope Battle Royal headlined by wrestling legend Cowboy Bob Kelly!

Moose Has Short Night At Madison

 

Teams awoke to rain in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday that lingered well into the afternoon delaying the start of the Herrs Live Life With Flavor 200. A big crowd turned out for the autograph session in the rain with a race not likely to happen. Almost 4 hours after the original start time drivers were introduced to the hearty crowd of race fans.

 

 

After improving with each practice session and a solid qualifying effort that put the Moose in the 16th starting position for the Herrs Live Life With Flavor 200, Thomas had high expectations for the race. "We rolled off pit road for the pace laps and I always run the shifter through the gears before we go green to make sure there aren't any surprises when they drop the green flag. Everything was good until I tried to get 4th gear and it just wouldn't go. That close to the front we pulled out of line so we wouldn't cause a mess up front and spent the first couple of laps trying to make it go and it's wasn't happening," offered the Moose. Just coming down pit road while the field was green put the Moose multiple laps down and put a quick end to a great weekend.

 

 

"I really appreciate Mr. Bill and Billy (Venturini) giving me the opportunity to drive for Venturini Motorsports. They have a first class operation and we learned a lot that we can take back and use in our shop. Working with Big Bill was incredible, he's done everything there is to do in motor sports and he was crawling underneath my car on Saturday to change a spring! i've been really fortunate to have some great people helping me along the way."

 

 

Moose Qualifies 16th for ARCA Herrs Live Life With Flavor 200

Thomas Praytor Madison Wisconsin: The Moose rolled into Madison International Speedway this morning having never been to Wisconsin much lees the challenging high banked paper clip that awaited the ARCA Series Messina Wildlife Rookie. From the first lap the Moose was solidly in the top 20. "Venturini gave me a solid car right off the trailer really helping my learning curve. Madison has really long straightaways and tight corners that really make you slow the car way down going into the corners. That's a big difference from Mobile," offered the Moose. "Big Bill (Venturini) and the guys worked really hard on helping get around. At one point Big Bill was under the car changing springs. With my Dad spotting and Big Bill working on the car pound for pound I know I had the best team in the garage today!"

 In only his 3rd ARCA outing, the Moose continues to learn his way around in the heavy ARCA car. In each practice session the Moose got a few tenths quicker and posted a qualifying effort 4 tents faster then his best practice speed starting 16th. Race coverage starts at 2PM on ARCAracing.com.

About Venturini Motorsports

Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the teams 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Ryan Blaney, Brian Scott, Steve Arpin, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Sean Caisse and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

 

 

Moose To ARCA Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200

The Moose will be off to Wisconsin this weekend to drive the #35 Venturini Motorsports entry in the ARCA Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200 at Madison International Speedway. “I really appreciate Billy and Mr. Bill (Venturini) for giving me a shot,” offered the Moose. “This is a great opportunity to make some laps in some of the best equipment in motorsports.” Venturini Motorsports is celebrating its 30th Anniversary of ARCA competition and has built a reputation as the hot bed for driver development.

 

The ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards will be making only its second stop in its 60 year history this weekend at Madison International Speedway. Teams will practice and qualify on Saturday with the Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200 rolling off at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Radio coverage with live timing and scoring will be available at www.arcaracing.com.

About Venturini Motorsports

Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the teams 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Ryan Blaney, Brian Scott, Steve Arpin, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Sean Caisse and Scott Lagasse, Jr.

 

 

Moose Visits With Baldwin County Realtors

With an opening in the racing schedule, the Moose was on the road to Talladega sponsor, the Baldwin County Association of Realtors. The Baldwin County Realtors held their annual meeting on Thursday and the Moose was on hand to thank them for being part of his first start at Talladega . “Having an opportunity to be with members of the Realtor family is always fun and the Realtors in Baldwin County know how to have a good time,” offered the Moose. “The last time I was with them was at the Flora Bama in June and I think some of them may still be there. Gulf Shores is winding up one of it’s busiest tourist seasons in history and Baldwin County is primed to be a hot market.”

 

While the Moose will not be behind the wheel this weekend he will be busy at the racetrack. Mobile International Speedway is in action on Saturday night with local classes lining up for heat and feature races highlighted by the $2,000 to win Sportsman Spectacular. For the last 2 weeks the Moose and our Max Force team have been working with Super Stock-Truck Rookie David Salisbury on setting up his Truck for the weekend. “Helping other racers is really important in this business. At each level we’ve raced in there has always been people to help us learn the ropes, savings us thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours,” said the Moose. “This weekend I’ll have a different role in helping David get around the Speedway . I’ve spotted for my Dad for years but it’s hard to tell him anything so it will be fun to have a driver that listens to what I say.” (Quote from Dad-“I can relate to not having a driver that listens.

 

Photo Shoot For Model Moose


Thomas Praytor 7-20-12: As if this year’s non-racing activities haven’t been different enough, the Moose took on another role this week at Mobile International Speedway, Model Moose. The Moose and his Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion spent a morning if front of the cameras for Mobile Bay Monthly. The lifestyle magazine for Mobile and Baldwin County is working on a racing story for a Fall issue. “Posing for the camera always makes you feel a little goofy. Of course, having the crew rag you always makes it better. With the track closed, Ashley (Rowe) was able to get some really different shots of the car on the track that will give fans a different perspective,” offered the Moose. “Ellis (Metz) spent the last Miller Lite race at the track and got a great feel for race night, the story should be awesome.” Away from the track the Moose and our Max Force Racing team continue to work on project X.

Moose Hangs On For 12th in Miller Lite 100

Thomas Praytor 6-23-12: After a 7th place run in the last outing for the Moose’s Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion in the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series our Max force Team had high hopes for Round 4 of the Series this weekend at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track.

Looking to improve on a solid effort last time out the team spent 2 days testing. “We worked on everything over 2 days my guys killed themselves. We really made me and our Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion better.” offered the Moose.

All the hard work paid dividends during practice on race day with the Moose timing in 8th fastest on the speed charts. The first lap of qualifying was 3 tenths of a second faster than the last race and it looked like a top ten starting spot was in the offing. “Our car was really rolling and we had big wiggle down in turn 1 & 2 that cost us a shot at a good starting spot.“ The Moose would roll off 16th.

The team hoped the wiggle during qualifying was a result of the new slick tires and not a loose race car. Starting with a loose race car in a 100 lap 4 tire race (no tire changes) is the beginning of a long night.

After a quick caution on the original start Saturday night’s edition of the Miller Lite Series went past the halfway point before the first caution and by that time the Moose was loose, really loose. “By lap 3 we knew we were in trouble, our Mobile Lumber Fusion was loose from the drop of the green flag. It stayed under me a few laps and we were able to make few passes but by lap 30 it was loose in, loose in the middle and loose off. By lap 50 I was hanging on!”

Hanging on at halfway is tough spot and the team called the Moose to pit road for several stops over the next few cautions but it was too late, the right rear tire was burnt up leaving the Moose with no grip. Unable to change tires the team made changes to bring back some grip back but once a tire is used up it’s done. As bad off as the car was the Moose was able to hang on to pick up a few spots and finish 12th.

 

Moose and the Rest of the Bad Boys Back
at MIS Saturday Night

Joe Rogers, President Mobile Realtors, Cynthia Joachim Regional Vice President National Association of Realtors, Cy Cain, Secretary Mobile Realtors.

Thomas Praytor 6-22-12: The MIS web site is billing this weekends Miller Lite 100 as the Bad Boys Are Back! The Moose not only resembles that remark but revels in it.

Having a few weeks off between Miller Lite races the Moose spent the time prepping his Mobile Lumber Ford Fusion for the 100 lap Bad Boy shootout this weekend and meeting with the Realtors, his ARCA Talladega Sponsor. Last week the Moose attended the Summer meeting of the Alabama Association of Realtors and yesterday presented a Realtor Car appreciation plaque to the Mobile Area Association of Realtors. "The Realtor family really stepped up to make a dream come true for me and I can't thank them enough for their support. Having a chance to talk about Talladega at the Realtor luncheon was a great way to start race weekend," said Thomas. The Moose was with Mobile Realtors yesterday and will visit, Montgomery, Wiregrass and Baldwin Realtors in the coming weeks.

 

After the Realtor luncheon, the Moose and his Max Force team moved into Mobile International Speedway for 2 days of testing before round 4 of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series on Saturday night. Thursday was an open practice and gave the team a unique opportunity to practice under the lights. "By lap 100 of the last Miller Lite race we had a top 5 car and drove from 11th to 7th in the last 5 laps. The problem is we qualified 18th and we used up a lot of our tires getting there. We're working really hard on finding a balance between a good qualifying effort and strong car at the finish," continued the Moose. "Last night we made most of our laps on the tires we raced last time with over a 100 laps on them. We feel like we helped our selves out some for the end of the race. Today we'll be in the heat in the afternoon just like practice and qualifying on race day."

The Miller Lite Super Late Model Series returns for round 4 Saturday night at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. The pit gate opens at 9:00 AM with qualifying at 7:00 PM and races starting at 8:00 PM.

Moose Charges To 7th in Miller Lite 100


The Moose and Max force Team during prerace ceremonies honoring our troops.

Thomas Praytor May 27, 2012 Mobile: Two days of frustrating testing, was followed by an equally frustrating raceday practice, a disappointing qualifying effort,  was followed by 95 laps of adjusting and searching, culminated a wild dash to the finish and the Moose rocketing his Mobile Lumber Fusion from 11th to 7th in the final 5 laps of the Memorial Day Miller Lite 100.


Moose climbing in for practice.

While the Moose had turned thousands of laps at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track it had been 2 months since his last start at MIS and the Memorial Day tribute would be only his 5th Super Late Model appearance at the Speedway. Memorial Day is always a big show and our Max Force team planned 2 days of testing to prepare, thank goodness.


 Team thrashing looking for problem.

Off the trailer on Thursday our Mobile Lumber Fusion had a mechanical issue with the motor missing on throttle up. The same problem that ended the first Miller Lite race early and we had spent hours on at the shop trying to fix. “These things can be hard to find and normally require some trial and error. Little did we know how many errors we would make getting to the fix,” offered the Moose. “We threw everything we had at the track at it but it wasn’t enough.” After Thursday night’s attempts at a fix, we collected new parts on Friday morning and headed back for a long day of testing.


 Lee Wingard with a helping hand putting tire back on.

Hours and hours of changing out and disassembling components, fuel cell, carburetor, fuel pump, wiring each piece was gone over and then tested out on the track. With dark rapidly closing in on our Max Force team we finally hit pay dirt with changing out the spark plugs.  “I didn’t think we were ever going to find the problem.  Really frustrating, work on it, get in make a lap, didn’t fix it, over and over again. We did find little things along the way we made better that weren’t bad but we made better.”  A planned 2 day test was now down to an hour and the team thrashed for all it was worth looking for the handle on our Mobile Lumber Ford.


 Mobile Lumber hood going back on for practice.

“We felt pretty good when we left the track on Friday night. We had our problem solved and we had a pretty good car but we knew we still had to get better to catch the guys running up front.” Saturday’s practice session was in the heat of the day and the hot greasy track was completely different than what we had left the night before and the team struggled finding the balance on the Mobile Lumber Fusion, more frustration.


 The back of the guys shirts tell the tale on the hard work that went into practice.

Qualifying followed practice and the Mobile Lumber fusion wasn’t much better and the Moose timed in 18th position. “We knew we had a better car than what we showed in qualifying. Qualifying was a continuation of where we had been the last 3 days but we didn’t give up everybody kept digging.”  With the drop of the green flag the Moose and our team started evaluating and working on our car.


Our entire Max force team participated in the track walk to honor our troops before the race.

“Our Mobile Lumber Fusion wasn’t bad once the sun went down and we kept pitting under cautions working on making it better. The guys never gave up and we kept pacing ourselves looking for the last 20 laps not the first 50.” With each stop the team worked on giving the Moose something he could drive.


Mobile Lumber Fusion on the starting grid.

After dodging cautions in the first 50 laps the complexion of the race started to swing in the Moose’s favor. The cars that had been leading and getting away on restarts weren’t getting away as fast. “All the work started to pay off in the last half of the race and at lap 75 I could see the top 10.” The Moose was turning the hunters into the hunted.


  Moose climbs out of Mobile Lumber Fusion post race.

A final caution on lap 95 would setup the final mad dash to the finish. The team called the Moose to pit road for 1 final adjustment and then we turned the Moose loose! The Moose lined up 11th with 5 to go and with the drop of the final green flag was passing cars headed into turn 1 and didn’t stop until the checkered flag finishing 7th and looking for more. “We were all sliding around the last few laps we were just sliding around less than the rest. I wish we had a few more laps I think we could have cracked the top 5. We didn’t have anything for Pollard, congratulations to his group on another great effort. I’m really proud of our race team. They never gave up, they kept working and working and working and it paid off.  I appreciate Mr. Henderson and the folks at Mobile Lumber sponsoring us on such a big weekend. We still have a lot to learn on the super car to catch the guys up front but we’re looking forward to round 3 of the Miller Lite Series,” offered the Moose. “Memorial Day weekend is a huge racing weekend but we can’t ever forget to honor our troops. Without them we wouldn’t have the freedoms we do.”


 Moose with Hayley and Julie in their new hot pink Moose shirts.

 

Mobile Lumber Teams With Moose for Salute To Troops

 

Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track will honor our military with a Salute To Our Troops this Memorial Day Weekend and Mobile Lumber & Millwork will be the primary sponsor for the Moose, Thomas Praytor. “Everyone knows how we feel about our men and women in uniform. They are out there fighting for our freedom every day,” offered Jim Henderson, President of Mobile Lumber and Millwork. “Getting to be a part of such a great celebration of our Military on Memorial Day Weekend is really special for us.”
 

This weekend’s Miller Lite 100 is the 3rd round of the Super Late Model Series at MIS in 2012. The Moose missed round 2 while making appearances for his Talladega Sponsor in advance of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. “It’s great to be coming back home to Mobile International Speedway. The fans are great and to have Mobile Lumber back on board with us for Memorial Day weekend is really cool,” said the Moose. “I haven’t used a brake pedal in the last 6 weeks of drafting at Talladega so we’ve got 2 days of testing lined up to get ready for this weekend.”
 

Round 3 of the Miller Lite Series is slated for Saturday May 26th with the grandstand opening at 5:00 p.m. a Troop Salute Track Walk at 7:30 and racing starting at 8:00 p.m. Live updates throughout the weekend are available at www.speed51.com.
 

About Mobile Lumber & Millwork: Locally owned and operated since 1975, Mobile Lumber & Millwork is firmly rooted in the retail and wholesale building materials, millwork, truss and cabinetry business, offering customers a blend of products and services to meet their remodeling, homebuilding and commercial construction needs.

The Company has grown from a single lumberyard and hardware store (formerly Stacy's) in 1975 to one of the largest family owned lumber and millwork companies on the Gulf Coast. The Company now encompasses 8 facilities in 3 states from Mississippi to Florida, a state-of-the-art cabinet showroom and production operation, a sister store (Grand Bay Lumber), a millwork and truss production plant, a growing fleet of delivery and operations vehicles and its own truck shop.

Mobile Lumber has positioned itself favorably, even in this dreary economy, and invested in its commitment to serve this industry and the Gulf Coast for years to come. www.mobilelumber.com


Talladega International
Motorsports Hall of Fame 250

Moose Rallies and Perseveres in First Talladega Start


Shot from Speed broadcast of Moose dodging a flipping Mike Affarano.

After rained washed out a 3 hour practice session and qualifying on Thursday, the Moose, Thomas Praytor, and his Andy Belmont/Hixson Racing Realtor team had just 55 minutes to prepare the Talladega rookie and his car for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 on Friday.


Moose climbing in for Practice.

The last 55 minute practice on race day used to be called “Happy Hour” and for the Realtor Fusion it should have been titled unhappy hour. “Not having that long practice under race conditions really set us behind. I needed all the laps I could get and we got less than 15 in practice on Friday,” offered the Moose. “Lee (Leslie) and the guys worked their butts off we just couldn’t find the speed we were looking for and we didn’t get any drafting practice.”


Team working on car during unhappy hour.

The Moose was slated to roll off 16th based on the 2’s 2011 owner’s points. After a disappointing practice and no drafting time the Moose made the decision to start the race at the tail end of the field. “As a racer it was one of the toughest moves I’ve ever made. I don’t know that I’m happy about it still but I know it was the right move,” continued Thomas.


Another Mobile International Speedway product, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver
Rick Crawford stopped by to offer a little drafting advice.

As it turned out the Moose would start the race on pit road. With unhappy hour in the books Lee Leslie and the crew threw multiple changes at the Realtor Fusion. One of those changes was another strip of tape to the nose to help improve the handling. With less air going to the radiator the water temperature climbed to over 250 degrees on the warm up laps the Moose had to come to pit road to have some of the tape removed while the field took the green flag.

Without drafting help the Realtor Fusion was a sitting duck for the pack as they rumbled around Talladega in full drafting trim and the Moose soon went a lap down. An early caution gave the team the lucky dog pass putting the Moose back on the lead lap. Playing a fuel strategy game crew chief Lee Leslie called Thomas to pit road to top off for fuel.

Back under green, veteran spotter Bob Jeffrey helped the Moose learn his way around the draft. “I probably made every Rookie drafting mistake you can make and Mr. Bob helped me work through all of them. Easy to see why they consider him the dean on the roof.”


Team pitting car with Scott Land dumping another load of fuel.

With each caution, Leslie called the Moose to pit road continuing to top off for fuel putting the Realtor Ford in a position to take advantage of a long green flag run. The Talladega rookie earned his rookie stripes by getting busted for speeding, too fast on exit. The penalty was tail end of the longest line putting the Moose behind the entire field not just the lead lap cars with not much drafting help.

The Realtor team got the long green flag run it was looking for but without drafting help the Moose went down a lap again. Another caution let the team take gas and the Moose lined up inside the leader as the first car a lap down with the other lap down cars behind him. Back under green, the race for the lucky dog pass was wilder than the race for the lead with a 3 wide battle down the backstretch. With a big shot in the rear bumper from another car the Moose took the lead of the lap down cars as the caution flag flew again.

Back on the lead lap, the Realtor Ford now had a driver with a little drafting experience and the Moose was ready to rumble. As fate would have it, Thomas’s teammate, Mikey Kile, had been turned around on the back stretch and lost a lap. Kile was the first car a lap down and the Moose was the last car on the lead lap. “Our Ford really didn’t suck up to the Chevy’s and we struggled drafting with them. With Mikey’s Ford in front of us we were able to draw up to his bumper and our Realtor Fusion came alive.”

Alive is an understatement, drafting with another Ford the Realtor car was 2 seconds faster than it had been all day and the Moose worked his way up to 17th. A couple of late cautions shuffled the field and in the final dash for the checkers the Moose finished 20th.

“The race today was wild! It was like a Saturday night 6 lap heat race at 200 mile per hour with 40 cars. Having Affarano flipping down the front stretch in front of me got my attention. Glad he’s OK. Congratulations to Brandon McReynolds and Mr. Steve (Turner) they had a great car. Brandon and I raced Bandolero’s against each other and he was in a Turner car, cool to see them take the win.” (Turner supplied the Moose with his Super Late Model Car)

“I probably made every Rookie mistake that could be made today but we had 3 goals coming in, make the race, work the draft and make all 250 miles. We accomplished those goals and our Realtor Fusion doesn’t have a mark on it. I can’t thank the Realtor family enough for making a dream come true for me. When you think about it that’s what Realtors do, they make dreams come true every day.”


 Moose signing autographs at AIDB Racefever - MRN’s Steve Post interviewing the Moose for the crowd.

After a 3 hour 250 mile race the Moose made his way over to the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind’s Racefever to sign autographs and help raise money for AIDB at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

The race at Talladega was just the beginning of a big weekend for the Moose. After the AIDB fundraiser Thomas made the trip to Montgomery for his twin sister, Hayley’s graduation on Saturday morning.


Thomas and twin sister Hayley at Hayley’s graduation.

Moose Starts 16th-Cup Champion Spotter On Roof For Moose

What should have been a busy Thursday for the Moose, Thomas Praytor, and his Andy Belmont Racing Realtor team was a complete wash. Rain blanketed the Speedway and the field was set by Owners points and the Moose will roll off 16th. NASCAR Championship spotter Bob Jeffrey will stay on the roof after spotting for Tony Stewart during practice to spot for the Moose during the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250.

The day started with a story on the Moose in the Birmingham News special section for Aarons Dream Weekend. Another Gulf Coast product Johanna Long was featured prominently in the section also, Speaking highly of the caliber of racing talent coming from Mobile International Speedway and Pensacola’s 5 Flags Speedway.

While rain kept cars off the track the Moose was busy with Rookie meeting followed, drivers spotter meeting, installing new sponsor Inspection Plus sticker on the rear bumper and cutting the Realtor Commercial for the race. That was the good news, the bad news was it was only 11:00.

“Nothing worse than being at the track ready to race and being held up by rain. The guys spent more time going over our Realtor Ford Fusion and it’s ready for practice in the morning,” said the Moose. “Having Stewart’s spotter on the roof, Bob Jeffrey, really gives me a lot of confidence in the car. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, there have been a lot of people that helped make this happen, I can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done. It’s going to be a big day. ”

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall’s newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

The Realtor Boards that made the Realtor car happen Baldwin, Wiregrass, Montgomery and Mobile have joined together to be the presenting sponsor of the broadcast. Brad Owens and Bob McMillan will spend time in the booth with the 92 Thunder crew explaining the importance of using a Realtor throughout the weekend. The Moose will be the in race reporter for the broadcast.

REALTORS®: Are “The Voice for Real Estate.” REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Moose In Race Reporter for ARCA Race Broadcast

Realtor Ford Fusion in Technical Inspection for International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250

The Andy Belmont/Wayne Hixson Realtor Ford Fusion made it through technical inspection today with a few minor changes required by ARCA officials but for the most part unscathed. With tech in the rear view mirror the team is focusing on practice in the morning and qualifying in the afternoon.

“Really ready to get back on track and see if the mandated spring and shock package from ARCA is as good as what we tested with. Lee Leslie (Crew Chief) and the guys have really worked hard today to knockout all the small stuff ARCA required them to fix,” offered Thomas Praytor. “Our Realtor Fusion was solid at the test and we will be working on some drafting packages that will make it more stable in the draft.”

Practice is from 10-1 on Thursday with qualifying for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at 5:00 PM. Live timing and scoring for practice and qualifying can be seen on arcaracing.com.

Along with piloting the Realtor Ford Fusion on Friday afternoon the Moose will also be the in race reporter during the broadcast. The race will be broadcast on 92 Thunder and streamed live on arcaracing.com. “What better way to get a feel for the race than Alabama’s own, the Moose in his first start at Talladega,” Jim Jacobs, anchor for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250. “We think our listeners will get a fresh perspective from Thomas.”

In addition to the Moose being interviewed from the car, the Realtor Boards that made the Realtor car happen Baldwin, Wiregrass, Montgomery and Mobile have joined together to be the presenting sponsor of the broadcast. Brad Owens and Bob McMillan will spend time in the booth with the 92 Thunder crew explaining the importance of using a Realtor throughout the weekend.

On the track or in the booth, Realtors have race weekend covered at Talladega.

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall’s newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

REALTORS®: Are “The Voice for Real Estate.” REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

.

1,000 Miles to Dega

The final stop for the the Moose, Thomas Praytor and his Andy Belmont Realtor Fusion on the My Home Is in Alabama Tour was the high energy Business Booster at Robert & Vickie Scott's ReMax Advantage in Birmingham. When the Birmingham Association opted to not participate in the Realtor car, the Scott's enlisted the help of Valerie Morgan & Marie Waters with Supreme Lending and Genny Williams of Get A Real Estate Life to fill the void and bring the Moose and the Realtor car to Birmingham.

 

"In putting this deal together there have been folks that have not supported it that you think that would and a bunch that have helped pick up the slack for those who didn't. Today was a classic example of a take charge Realtor taking charge and making sure Birmingham was one of our stops," offered the Moose. "Not only did we have a fun day but I had lunch with Mrs. Genny (Williams) and I picked up a few pointers. I just can't say enough about the Realtor family and the support they have shown for the Realtor car. We've even had some of our local competitors like LLB & B sponsor the car!"

 

As the hauler rolled into Talladega Superspeedway this afternoon to drop the Realtor car off, the trip meter registered just over 1,000 miles. "A thousand miles to Talladega Superspeedway, hundreds of Realtors, pictures and autographs, I told Mr. Mark (Inabinett Press Register) I'm living a dream, just 250 more miles to go!"

 

Teams check in tomorrow for technical inspection with on track activity not beginning until Thursday. The Moose will appear on Inside Alabama Racing on WNSP 105.5 Wednesday at Noon live from Talladega Superspeedway. Show will also be streamed live on wnsp.com.

 

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall's newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

 

REALTORS®: Are "The Voice for Real Estate." REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Baldwin County-Maryvale Elementary Day 4

My Home Is In Alabama Tour

The Moose, Thomas Praytor, and the Andy Belmont Racing Realtor Ford performed double duty today traveling to the Baldwin County Association of Realtors in the morning and Maryvale Elementary in the afternoon.

 

As has been the case throughout the My Home Is In Alabama Tour the Realtor family had a warm welcome prepared for the Moose and the Realtor car they helped make happen. Two years ago Baldwin County's white sugar beaches were devastated by the BP Oil spill. There were questions if the beaches or real estate in Alabama's tourism mecca would ever by the same. Not only are the beaches open for business, they are setting records!

 

"We have so many Realtor friends in Baldwin County it's humbling they thought enough about what we're doing to commit their resources to the Realtor car," said the Moose. "The Chief of Police, Brad Kendrick, was there and I was a little nervous about that but he got my autograph this time versus me getting his or one of his officers."

 

With Baldwin County in the rear view mirror the Moose headed to Maryvale Elementary School. Along with displaying the Realtor car to the school, the Moose gave a talk to the 5th grade.

 

"We had a great time with the kids and the car. Most of them had never seen a racecar on TV much less in person," added Thomas. "The 5th graders are right at the same age I was when I started racing. At that age we all have dreams and this week is proof that you can do whatever you dream."

 

The Final day of the My Home Is In Alabama Tour will be at ReMax Advantage's Business Booster with Supreme Lending and Get A Real Estate Life in Birmingham on Tuesday. Birmingham is the final stop for the Moose on his way to Talladega Superspeedway.

 

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall's newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

 

REALTORS®: Are "The Voice for Real Estate." REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Enterprise-Day 3 My Home Is In Alabama Tour

Day 3 of the My Home Is In Alabama Tour had the Moose, Thomas Praytor and his Andy Belmont Racing Realtor car crisscrossing the back roads of the rural southern section of the state to the Wiregrass Board of Realtors in Enterprise, Alabama.

 

Wiregrass is the smallest board on the tour but with it's proximity to Fort Rucker, the Aviation Training Center for the US Army, maybe the most significant.

 

"A lot of our troops brought their kids over on their day off and that was really special for me. Their kids looked up to me like I'm a hero but little do they know the real hero's are their Mom and Dad's. They are out there every day keeping us safe," offered Praytor.

 

Sunday was the final day of National Open House Weekend and the Wiregrass Board set a new record with 114 open houses. With a 114 open houses Realtors were out in full force in Enterprise on Sunday.

 

"The enthusiasm from the Realtor family for the Realtor car is incredible. I'm glad I don't have to let off at Talladega because they have got me pumped up!" continued the Moose. "The commitment for the Realtor car from a Board as small as Wiregrass is a big chunk of their budget and we were proud to be a part of their National Open House Weekend celebration."

 

"I want to give a shout out to my twin sister Hayley. While we were in Enterprise she hit the go ahead single for the Huntingdon Hawks Softball team to win the GSAC Conference Championships. Go Hawks!"

 

Enterprise was the 3rd stop on the 5 day My Home Is In Alabama Tour with the Baldwin County Association of Realtors and the 4th graders at Maryvale School on Monday and ReMax Advantage in Birmingham on Tuesday.

 

The Moose will continue to work his way across Alabama until it's time to check in at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday night.

 

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall's newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

 

REALTORS®: Are "The Voice for Real Estate." REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Montgomery-Day 2 of
My Home Is In Alabama Tour

After unveiling the Realtor car in Mobile, the Moose, Thomas Praytor, started an old fashioned barnstorming tour across the State of Alabama working his way to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. Day 2 of the tour landed the Moose and the Realtor car at the Sand Bar in downtown Montgomery.

 

Realtors and fans from across the mid-section of Alabama made their way to the Andy Belmont Ford Relator car on display in the popular downtown location. As fans filed by on their way to the Biscuits game across the street, Realtors stopped to get a picture and meet the driver, a 3rd generation Realtor himself.

 

"As a relatively new Realtor it's cool to meet Relators from other parts of the state. We even had a Realtor from North Dakota stop by," said Praytor. "Brad Owens and the staff at the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors did a great job organizing today and I appreciate the Sand Bar for having us."

 

Montgomery was the 2nd stop on the 5 day My Home Is In Alabama Tour with Wiregrass (Enterprise) on Sunday, Baldwin County Association of Realtors and the 4th graders at Maryvale School on Monday and ReMax Advantage in Birmingham on Tuesday.

 

"There are a lot of stickers on our car and most people don't notice the small green Mame sticker under the A-post. Every one of our racecars has a Mame sticker," added Thomas. " Mame is what we called my Grandmother, Jamie Praytor. As a past President of the Alabama Realtors she had friends all over the state. One of the neatest parts of the tour is meeting the people who worked with her and knew her. Today Fletcher Majors and his wife Linda made the trip to Montgomery and that was really special. "

 

The Moose will continue to work his way across Alabama until it's time to check in at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday night.

 

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall's newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.

 

REALTORS®: Are "The Voice for Real Estate." REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America 's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Realtors Sponsor Praytor at Talladega

Realtors will be the primary sponsor for Thomas "Moose" Praytor's entry in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4th.

 

"The Real Estate market is turning around in the state of Alabama and racing at Talladega is a great way to get the word out," offered Jo Glenn, President of the Montgomery Association of Realtors. "Race weekend follows the Realtors National Open House Weekend and the timing is perfect to promote homeownership and the value of using a Realtor."

 

The iconic Realtor R will adorn the hood and quarter panels of Alabama native Thomas "Moose" Praytor's Andy Belmont Racing Ford Fusion. A fellow Realtor the Moose will be making his first start on the famed high banks of Talladega Superspeedway.

 

"For an Alabama driver it doesn't get any bigger than Talladega. As a 3rd generation Realtor to have the support from your fellow Realtors at racings biggest track is just awesome," said Praytor. "Being a Realtor and serving the people who entrust their biggest investment, their home, meant everything to my Grandmother (Jamie Praytor). Every day we try to live up to the standards she set for all of us in the real estate business."

Race fans will get an opportunity to see the Realtor car up close and meet the Moose as they embark on the "My Home Is In Alabama" tour, April 27th through May 1st. The tour will begin in Mobile with stops across Alabama leading up to Talladega.

"We hope that by taking the Realtor car to the people across the state we will remind everyone that home ownership matters," Gina Stopa President, Baldwin County Association of Realtors MLS. "We feel like the Alabama housing market is just like a racecar after a pit stop-we made an adjustment, put on 4 fresh tires, full of fuel and we're ready to go go go!"

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 is the opening act of Aarons Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway May 4th-6th. Alabama racing legend Bobby Allison will wave the green flag and one of the Hall's newest inductees, Richard Childress will serve as the Grand Marshall. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV and hosted on radio by Thunder 92.7. The radio broadcast along with timing and scoring will be streamed live on www.arcaracing.com.
 

REALTORS®: Are "The Voice for Real Estate." REALTORS® are composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. REALTORS® are working for America's property owners, providing a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Moose Wraps Up 2 Day Test at Talladega


The Moose and Team Owner Andy Belmont all smiles with a top 5 spot on opening day.

Testing for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega Superspeedway continued today and the Moose, Thomas Praytor, continued to turn heads. The Moose had originally been slated for a one day test but team owner Andy Belmont had the Mobile, Alabama native stay an extra day.


Both ABR cars were in top 5 on the first day of testing.

 “Thomas was stellar on Tuesday while we working on qualifying efforts and pushing to see how fast he could go. Today instead of speed, we worked hard on getting him comfortable in a car that can draft and make 250 miles,” offered team owner, Andy Belmont. “


The Moose being interviewed at the media center at Talladega.

After logging a few laps and working with some different setups the Moose finished ahead of his teammate, Mikey Kile and went from driver to crew member.


Moose getting some help from teammate Mikey Kile.

“We had a great couple of days at Talladega. I can’t thank Mr. Andy and Mrs. Jennifer (Belmont) enough for giving me the opportunity. The guys gave me a great car and I was just the lucky one to get to drive it,” said Thomas. “I learned so much about Speedway racing, I really hope we’re able to put together sponsorship to come back in May. We’re working hard to make it happen.”

 

Moose 4th Fastest At Talladega Test


Moose on track

After posting the 3rd fastest time in the morning practice session for the ARCA 250 at Talladega Superspeedway the Moose backed it  up with the 4th fastest time in the afternoon session with an average speed just under 180 MPH.


Crew chief Lee Leslie helping the Moose strap in

What a day! I really expected today to be a getting familiar day but the car was awesome right off the trailer and we shot straight up the leader board,” said the Moose. “The credit really goes to the guys at Andy Belmont Racing and Crew Chief Lee Leslie. Both ABR cars were in the top 5 today and were rock solid all day.”


Moose testing under the watchful eye of car owner Andy Belmont

In and out of the car all day and dodging rain showers Thomas had a chance to reflect on testing at Talladega; “In the car you’re focused on hitting your marks and making sure you get all of the speed you can. You have a break and you look up at the grandstands and realize it’s Talladega! For an Alabama driver it just doesn’t get any bigger. I’ve been here so many times, both as a fan and a crew member to be on the track is incredible.”

Moose Testing At Talladega Superspeedway

Thomas “Moose” Praytor will take part in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open test at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday April 17th. The “Moose” will pilot an Andy Belmont Racing Ford on the high banks of Talladega in advance of the upcoming ARCA Racing 250 at Talladega on Friday, May 4, 2012.

“Thomas has outperformed our expectations at everything we’ve asked him to do. We’ve had the Moose under the car, in the car and on the roof; whatever it takes he gives us 100 percent. We’re looking forward to having him back behind the wheel for us at Talladega,” said Andy Belmont. 

The team will utilize chassis #184 during the test. This is the same chassis that Thomas worked on and spotted for at Daytona International Speedway in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 250.

“Frankly, we want to see Thomas do more than test at Talladega, we want him in the race,” added Belmont.  “We’ve already put a lot of pieces of the puzzle in place to make that happen but we’re still looking for primary sponsorship,”

“For an Alabama driver, it doesn’t get any bigger than Talladega. I really appreciate Mr. Andy and Mrs. Jennifer (Belmont) for giving me the opportunity,” said the Moose. “The history at Talladega with Alabama drivers is just incredible. Just to have an opportunity to make laps on the same track as the Alabama Gang- Bonnett, Farmer and the Allison’s became legends on is just really special.”

For Thomas “Moose” Praytor, the only thing bigger than testing at Talladega, would be the opportunity to race at Talladega Superspeedway.

For more information on “Moose” and available sponsorship opportunities, Tommy Praytor 251-423-2213. 

Live timing and scoring for the test on will be available on arcaracing.com.

Ticket information for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, May 4-6, 2012, is available at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Picture-Thomas “Moose” Praytor in ABR Ford at ARCA-Mobile 200.

 

Moose’s Charge In Miller Lite 100 Shorts Out

Thomas Praytor 3-24-12: A record field of 33 cars packed the infield of Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track for the first round of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series. The Moose qualified his Mobile Lumber Fusion 26th and charged his way up to 14th before an electrical issue ended his night early.

The Moose and our Max Force team had been prepping for weeks for their 5th Super start at MIS and first regular season race of the season. After the ARCA-Mobile 200 the Moose had tested several times including a 5 hour test on Friday before the race. “We never have found the right balance on the Super Car. Every time we test, we get better and we learn more about how the Super works versus the Pro,” offered the Moose. “With the ARCA-Mobile 200 behind us we’ve really been focused on testing, it’s paying off but we still have a long ways to go.”

Testing became an adventure when an electrical short nearly burned up the Mobile Lumber Fusion. “Nothing worse than that burning smell inside the car while you’re strapped in the seat. Fortunately the guys got it handled quickly. We did have to do a rewire job on Saturday morning and that could have been part of our problem later on Saturday night.”

The Moose pushed through a tight racecar in qualifying to time into the 26th starting position. In an impound race a tight racecar in qualifying is going to be dump truck in the race, the team started working on a plan.

True to expectations, the Mobile Lumber Fusion wouldn’t turn in the center of the corners but the Moose was picking up positions in some intense racing from the front of the field all the way back. “Wild, wild, wild! Normally everyone settles down and logs some laps in the first half of the race but not tonight. We were 2 wide the first 10 laps and sometimes 3 wide just crazy.”

With 33 cars there were some early cautions. The Moose was called to pit road several times for adjustments and the Mobile Lumber machine started to respond.

Back on track, with changes in place, the Moose started to rumble forward. By lap 60 the Moose was inside the top 15 and a car that was tight was now loose off the corner. “The changes the guys made on pit road really made the car better but when you’re swinging at it like we were, we went just a little too far. I felt like we were better than the next few in front of us but the car started missing off the corner.” Missing off the corner turned into missing down the straightaway and the Moose brought his ailing machine to pit road for the team to check out.

Our Max Force Team got the hood off and started checking the normal gremlins, loose plug wires, loose electrical wires etc. and sent the Moose back out. Several attempts at debugging the problem during cautions didn’t work and the Moose was done for the night.

“I really appreciate the Hendersons and Mobile Lumber and Millwork for all of their support this weekend. We made our car better all weekend we still have some work to do to catch the guys running up front. I don’t know how many cars we passed but it was bunch. Really had a good time racing with that many cars, lots of racing.”

Mobile Lumber & Millwork Riding With the Moose

Mobile Lumber & Millwork will be the primary sponsor for the Moose, Thomas Praytor, this weekend for the Miller Lite 100 at Mobile International Speedway, a Rick Crawford Performance Track. Currently operating in 3 states, Mobile Lumber & Millwork is the market leader for construction professionals while maintaining a close relationship with local retail customers. “We’ve been watching Thomas work his way up the racing ranks over the past 10 years and he represents a lot of our company’s core values,” said Jim Henderson, President of Mobile Lumber & Millwork. “He and the all-volunteer race team work hard to put out a great product on the track and they don’t ever stop working to get better. Our company works under the same philosophy; we don’t ever stop working on serving our customers better. We’re proud to help turn the Moose loose!”

This weekend’s Miller Lite 100 marks the first visit of the Super Late Models to MIS in 2012 and the beginning of a 5-race series that includes points for the Sunoco Gulf Coast Championship. 2012 will be the Moose’s second year of competing in the Gulf Coast signature series. “It means a lot to have great people like the Henderson’s behind us. Having grown up in a real estate family I’m used to seeing the Mobile Lumber & Millwork trucks on construction sites. Maybe one day Mr. H will let me drive a delivery truck too,” offered the Moose. “We’ve worked really hard on preparing our car for this weekend. We’ve had 3 tests with another one planned for Friday that looks like it’s going to get washed out. We feel like we’ve made progress but we also think we have work to do.”

Round 1 of the Miller Lite Series is slated for Saturday March 24th with the grandstand opening at 5:00 p.m. and racing starting at 8:00 p.m. Live updates throughout the weekend are available at www.speed51.com.

About Mobile Lumber & Millwork: Locally owned and operated since 1975, Mobile Lumber & Millwork is firmly rooted in the retail and wholesale building materials, millwork, truss and cabinetry business, offering customers a blend of products and services to meet their remodeling, homebuilding and commercial construction needs.

The Company has grown from a single lumberyard and hardware store (formerly Stacy's) in 1975 to one of the largest family owned lumber and millwork companies on the Gulf Coast. The Company now encompasses 8 facilities in 3 states from Mississippi to Florida, a state-of-the-art cabinet showroom and production operation, a sister store (Grand Bay Lumber), a millwork and truss production plant, a growing fleet of delivery and operations vehicles and its own truck shop.

Mobile Lumber has positioned itself favorably, even in this dreary economy, and invested in its commitment to serve this industry and the Gulf Coast for years to come. www.mobilelumber.com

 Moose Starts Race Week With Day Long Test

 Thomas Praytor Mobile 3-19-12: The Moose returns to racing action Saturday night in round 1 of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. Our Max Force Team spent Sunday at Alabama’s Fastest Half Mile thrashing on the Turner Motorsports Super Late Model. “We logged over 100 laps in 2-4 laps runs looking for the right balance. The guys completely changed the shock and spring package 4 times,” offered the Moose. “We were faster but we still don’t have the balance we are looking for on the long run. We’ll head back to the track 1 more time before Saturday and try out another round of changes we are working on in the shop this week.”

 The reigning Gulf Coast Ironman, the Moose, will join 2 other ARCA-Mobile 200 competitors, reigning Track Champion Bubba Pollard and Hendrick development driver and former Track champion Chase Elliott for Saturday nights Miller Lite 100. The Miller Lite Series is part of the Sunoco Gulf Coast Championship Series that has made the Gulf Coast a hot bed for up and coming drivers.

 Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow

With Legend Cellars Wine moving to an associate sponsor role, the Moose returns to his traditional 28 number and the familiar black and yellow paint scheme. “We appreciate Mr. Ken (Stabler) sponsoring the car last year, he’s a big part of our team,” said the Moose. “We’re looking for primary sponsorship for the Miller Lite Series and hope to have an announcement this week.”

Saturday night is round 1 of the 5 race Miller Lite Super Late Series at Mobile International Speedway. Live updates will be available all weekend on Speed51.com.

MOOSE MAKES HISTORIC START IN INAUGURAL ARCA-MOBILE 200

Thomas Praytor ARCA-Mobile 200 March 10, 2012: After kicking off the weekend hosting the Home Mortgage of America Green Flag Party at Grand Central it was time for the Moose to get down to business on Friday in his Andy Belmont Racing Ford Fusion.



Rain greeted the competitors on Friday morning at Mobile International Speedway and the much needed 3 and half hour practice session was cut in half. While the Moose has thousands of laps at Alabama's Fastest Half Mile he had exactly zero in an ARCA car.

With the track dried, the Moose logged a few get to know you laps with the HULK and then he turned the wick up. Crew Chief Lee Leslie and the Moose's Max Force team worked tirelessly to give the Moose the right feel for the Hulk to come to life. "ARCA cars are 600 pounds heavier and have 150 more horsepower than a late model. It took a few laps to get the handle on our G-Force Fusion but it was a blast slinging it into the corners at Mobile," offered the Moose.

With each lap the G-Force Fusion got quicker and the last lap of practice was the fastest of the day. The Moose's exploits in qualifying are well documented and it was appropriate that his first qualifying lap in the ARCA Series would be an adventure.

The car that went before the Moose in qualifying spun in turns 1 & 2 down into the grass slinging dirt on the track. When the Moose hit the gas coming off of turn 2 there was no grip just dirt and the car got very loose but the Moose was able to calm the Hulk and keep it pointed forward. The second lap was a second and a half faster than the first and the Moose would take up the tail end of the ARCA-Mobile 200 field. "What a wild couple of laps! The guys really gave me a good car. I thought I was going to take a ride out in Mrs. Ida's back pasture on the first lap. We barely made it in the show but I felt like we won the lottery!"

The 35 car field roared to life with the command to fire engines from Thomas's old teammate and current National Championship quarterback A.J. McCarron.  "Really cool to have A.J. give the command to start engines in my first ARCA race. What a year he's had!"


 Starting Line Up for ARCA-Mobile 200

In the first few laps the field minded their manners and the Moose was logging laps picking up spots. By lap 20 the Moose was lapping slower cars and by lap 30 the Moose's day was over early with a bad rear end. 


Mobile's Starting 3 for ARCA-Mobile 200 with Rick Crawford

"I realize the stats for my first ARCA race are not very impressive, started 35th finished 34th but I really learned a lot, it was a great opportunity. I appreciate Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Andy (Belmont) for giving me the chance.  Lee and the guys worked hard on giving me a good car and we made solid progress all weekend."

Next up for the Moose, round 1 of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. 

 

G-FORCE TO SPONSOR THE MOOSE FOR ARCA-MOBILE 200

G-Force Racing Gear will be the primary sponsor for the Moose, Thomas Praytor in the inaugural ARCA-Mobile 200 at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track.

 

Roswell, Georgia based G-FORCE Racing Gear® is a manufacturer of high quality, economically priced safety gear. Since 1998, G-FORCE Racing Gear® has supplied drivers and teams from local short tracks to the upper tiers of NASCAR. 2012 will mark the 13th consecutive season of G-Force's association with Tommy, Thomas and Max Force Racing.

 

"Really appreciate all the guys at G-Force stepping up to help us make the ARCA-Mobile 200," offered the Moose. "I've never worn anything but a G-Force suit from my first yard cart to the one I'll be wearing in Saturday's ARCA race. Shoes, belts, helmet nothing fits or protects you like G-Force equipment."

 

After the Home Mortgage of America Green Flag party hosted by the Moose at Downtown hotspot Grand Central Thursday night ARCA team get down to business today at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track. Technical inspection this morning, with practice starting at 1:30 and qualifying tonight at 7:00. The green flag drop on the Inaugural ARCA Mobile 200 Saturday at 2:00 PM .

 

The race will be broadcast live on WNTM 701 and streamed from arcaracing.com. Live timing and scoring will be available at today and tomorrow at arcaracing.com.

 

MOOSE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO FALLEN COAST GUARD CREW

 

The Moose will pay tribute to the fallen helicopter crew from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile in this weekend's ARCA-Mobile 200. On February 28th Lt. Commander Dale Taylor, Lt. JG Thomas Cameron, Chief Petty Officer Fernando Jorge, and Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Knight perished in Mobile Bay on what was slated as a routine mission.

 

"The Coast Guard is such a big part of Mobile it's incredible. They are family, friends and neighbors it's a huge loss to the community," said the Moose. "We're going to run a sticker in their honor which is really insignificant compared to the sacrifice they make for us everyday. We just wanted to show in our own small way we were thinking about them, their loved ones and our Coast Guard family."

 

The tribute sticker was custom designed by ABC Signs for this week's ARCA-Mobile 200. The design is a set of helicopter blades creating 4 quadrants filled with the initials of each member of the crew flying high above the Coast Guard emblem. During pre-race ceremonies there will be a special moment of silence during pre-race ceremonies for the crew.

 

The Home Mortgage of America Green Flag Party hosted by the Moose kicks off the ARCA-Mobile 200 weekend on Thursday night at Grand Central in downtown Mobile. Practice and qualifying are slated for Friday and the ARCA Mobile 200 will roll off at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon at Mobile International Speedway a Rick Crawford Performance Track.


HOME MORTGAGE OF AMERICA GREEN FLAG PARTY

HOSTED BY THE MOOSE THURSDAY NIGHT!

 

The Inaugural ARCA-Mobile 200 weekend will kick off in grand style with the Home Mortgage of America Green Flag Party hosted by the “Moose” Thomas Praytor Thursday night at Mobile’s premiere downtown hot spot Grand Central.

 

“We are proud to be able to welcome teams and fans to Mobile and bring Home Mortgage America to racing,” offered Lola Connert, Mobile Manager. “The ARCA-Mobile 200 is a fabulous event for Mobile and who better to host a party in Downtown than the Moose! Everybody knows Thomas knows how to have a good time.”

 

The band, “Top of the Orange” will be cranking out live music with a special appearance by American Idol’s Jaclyn North. North will perform her latest single “Never Give Up” as a warm up to the National Anthem for Saturday’s ARCA-Mobile 200.

 

“I love the night life in downtown Mobile and I’m excited to show of our city to all of the out of town teams and race fans,” said the Moose. “Grand Central is the place to have a party and with Jaclyn North and Top of the Orange it will be wide open!”

 

ARCA teams will check into Mobile International Speedway Thursday from 5:00-7:00 and then turn the party light on from 7:30-10:30 at Grand Central in downtown Mobile at 256 Dauphin Street.

 

There is no cover charge and everyone is invited to join ARCA teams and Drivers to kick off Mobile’s first ARCA race in true Mobile fashion-a huge party!

 

Company Description

About Home Mortgage of America: Home Mortgage of America, Inc. is a mortgage banking firm engaged in the origination and servicing of residential real estate loans. The company's exclusive business is single-family residential mortgages originated for sale into the secondary mortgage market.

MOOSE AT WORK IN NORTH CAROLINA

 

 

Thomas Praytor Mooresville North Carolina 3-4-12: The Moose dodged tornadoes, lightning and a flipping car on what became a 16 hour marathon trip from Mobile to Charlotte on Friday. “Atlanta was wilder than a Saturday night heat race at Mobile International Speedway!” said the Moose. Under the watchful eye of crew chief Lee Leslie the Moose went to work with the ABR team on prepping the HULK for the Inaugural ARCA Mobile 200. “Lee has been working over the HULK from top to bottom getting it just to his liking for Mobile,” offered Andy Belmont. “Thomas and the guys will work all weekend to make sure it’s ready to go.”

 

During the week ABR teamed up with Bobby Gerhart Racing for a joint effort for the Moose to run the Daytona winning #5. “Really an honor to run the 5. I watched Mr. Bobby win in the 5 from the roof in Daytona. Now I’m in it, incredible,” added the Moose.

 

Crew Chief Lee Leslie working on the front end geometry on the HULK.

Freshly installed Rousch/Yates power plant.
 

The Moose is expected to make the trip back to Mobile on Tuesday to put the final graphics package on the HULK for next weekend’s ARCA-Mobile 200.

 

Live timing and scoring will be available at ARCAracing.com. On track activity starts at 1:30 on Friday afternoon with qualifying set for 7:00 that night with the green flag dropping at 2:00 on Saturday. Tickets are available at www.mobilespeedway.net.

 

For more Moose www.maxforceracing.com

 

Top Picture: The Moose and Crew Chief Lee Leslie working on the HULK.

MOOSE TO BELMONT FOR ARCA-MOBILE 200

The reigning Gulf Coast Ironman, Thomas “Moose” Praytor, has been tapped to drive an ABR Ford in the ARCA-Mobile 200 for Andy Belmont Racing on March 9th and 10th.  

“I can’t thank Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Andy (Belmont) enough for the opportunity. From racing biggest stage in Daytona to Mobile’s biggest race it’s been an awesome couple of months,” offered the Moose. 

The Moose will pilot ABR Chassis #63 nicknamed the HULK because of its green chassis. As fate would have it the Moose and the HULK have a history. “The HULK was my first job at ABR. It had been stripped down, I cleaned it then put it back together. We’re getting ready to find out how good a job I did.” 

The Moose’s climb up the racing ladder has been guided for the last year by ARCA veteran Andy Belmont. “We gave the Moose every crappy job in the shop and he never backed up. He cleaned the HULK with 1 rag and some fuel and the only time we heard from him was when he needed more fuel,” said Belmont. “We’re happy to add the Moose to the list of drivers that have gotten their first ARCA start with ABR.” 

The Moose will be attempting to become a part of ARCA and MIS history by making the starting lineup for Inaugural ARCA-Mobile 200. The Moose’s all Mobile Max Force Racing team will crew the ABR entry under the watchful eye of long time ARCA crew chief Lee Leslie.

 The HULK and the Moose are searching for primary and associate marketing partners for the ARCA-Mobile 200 and the remainder of the 2012 season.

ROOF REPORT-LEAD LAP WITHOUT A SCRATCH-
RUSTY WALLACE NEXT

Thomas Praytor Daytona 2-19-12: What started as back stretch spotting role for the Moose turned into a frontstretch baptism on the first day of testing at Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. The front stretch spotter for Rookie Brandon Davis wasn't able to be make Thursday's practice and the Moose was moved from a support role to the primary spotter. "I was already nervous about spotting at Daytona and then it changed to it was all on me, I'm glad they didn't tell me until we were going to the track," said the Moose. "I went from being the rookie in the car a couple of months ago to being the rookie on the roof helping the rookie in the car get around. Brandon did a great job, he adapted quickly, put the car in the show on time, was 5th quick in practice and had a solid race. A lot of the credit goes to Andy Belmont Racing, Lee Leslie and the crew for giving us a solid car all through practice and the race." The #2 Mod Space Ford finished on the lead lap and in the 19th position. "Being on the roof was a great experience and it gave me a unique perspective that a lot of drivers don't get. I appreciate Mr. Andy (Belmont) and Mrs. Jennifer (Belmont) for giving me the opportunity. For the record I liked the view I had in December a heck of a lot better!"

 

The Moose moves from the roof at Daytona to back behind the wheel as an instructor for the Rusty Wallace Driving Experience.

 

THOMAS AND TOMMY TO THE ROOF IN DAYTONA

Belmont Daytona Release

Thomas Praytor 2-15-12: The Moose and the Old Man will be headed to the roof this weekend at Daytona International Speedway to spot for California's Brandon Davis during the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. Davis will be making his first ARCA start and first start at the World Center of Speed in a Mod Space Ford for Andy Belmont Racing. "You can't think of a better team to help a young rookie out at Daytona than Tommy and Thomas. I think Tommy actually spotted for the guys when they were still racing on the beach and the Moose is fresh off his first laps at Daytona. The pair will really be able to help Brandon make the most of his Daytona weekend," said Andy Belmont. The roof is familiar territory for Tommy, having spotted for everything at Daytona, the Daytona 500, Nationwide, Camping World Trucks and the ARCA Series.  For the Moose this will be his first time on the spotters stand at the World Center of Speed but certainly not his first spotting job. "Thomas has been spotting for me since he was 12. Back in the old days you had to be 14 to enter the pits and a lot of pit gate workers turned the other way to let Thomas in. We reversed rolls when he started driving stock cars and I think our level of communication with each other will benefit Brandon on the track," offered the elder Praytor.  A track the size of Daytona requires 2 spotters with one on the front stretch and one on the back stretch. Tommy will take the front and pit road and the Moose will have the ginormas back straight away. "This is just another great opportunity for me in my racing career. Very few drivers get to see the perspective that I'll have this weekend at Daytona. Nobody knows better than me the butterflies when you make those first laps at Daytona. I hope I can help Brandon with making the move to Daytona in the Mod Space Ford. I really appreciate Brandon and the Belmont's giving me the opportunity," said the Moose.

 

ARCA Practice is Thursday afternoon with qualifying on Friday and final practice on Saturday morning with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 rolling off Saturday afternoon. For the latest updates on the race ARCARacing.com or watch live on Speed.

 

 

SWEET HOME ALABAMA-TALLADEGA-DAYTONA

 

Thomas Praytor 2-6-12: As the off-season winds down, the Moose’s schedule is picking up speed moving towards Daytona. Last week the Moose spent a day at Talladega Superspeedway as a crewmember for Andy Belmont Racing on Mikey Kile’s new Ford Fusion. Kile spent the 2011 season with Turner Motorsports in the Nationwide Series and will be behind the wheel of Belmont’s 14 machine in 2012 in the ARCA Series.

 

The trip to Talladega was a perfect opportunity to drop the badly damaged Pro-Late Model off at chassis builder Grand American Race Car in Birmingham. The Grill’s have already started working with the defibulator bringing Christine back to life again. At the shop, our Max Force team continues to work on our Turner Motorsports Super Late Model in anticipation of the start of the Miller Lite Super Late Model Series on March 24th.

 

Friday night’s installment of CMT’s popular reality show Sweet Home Alabama was not kind to NASCAR driver Danny Bopp. Bopp was one of the bachelors eliminated by former NASCAR spokesmodel, Paige Duke, trying to pick between the Country Boys and City Guys. With Bopp eliminated, we can now reveal our race teams role in the series. The Moose returned to stunt driver status, earned during the filming of Warner Brother’s Final Destination 4, doing the on track driving for CMT. The crew got the cameo helping Bopp in and out of the car.

 

To keep up with Sweet Home Alabama:

 

http://www.cmt.com/show/sweet_home_alabama/season_3/series.jhtml

 

 

BANQUETS KICK OFF 2012 RACING SEASON

Thomas Praytor 1-23-12: The Annual Awards Banquets for 5 Flags Speedway and Mobile International Speedway signal the beginning of the 2012 racing season. The Moose and his Max Force team added some more hardware to the trophy case giving the Moose time to reflect on the 2011 season. “What an incredible year! We started with sponsorship from Ken Stabler’s Legend Cellars Wine, ended with Andy Belmont Racing testing at Daytona and in between we were the only race team to make every late model race on the Gulf Coast. Wow! There are so many people who helped make it happen I want to thank them all. At the top of the list is McGunegill Racing engines, they kept us running all year making the impossible possible. Mr. Frankie and Augie Grill, our chassis builders, just do a great job keeping us going. Our all volunteer race team, you guys simply did the impossible. A lot of late nights and long weekends we couldn’t have done it without you.”

 

Next up: The Moose will be headed to Talladega Super Speedway on Monday to work as a crew member for Andy Belmont Racing as they prepare for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway.