Tardiff salvages respectable finish in fast-paced PASS 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway
OXFORD, Maine (June 3, 2019) — For Alan Tardiff and his TMR Racing team, the relatively flat 3/8-mile oval alongside Route 26 in western Maine is like a home away from home. It’s the site of his 2017 points championship, and a track where he’s had ample speed and success in recent seasons.
When the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Models rolled into Oxford on Sunday, Tardiff’s iRacing/Earnest Performance Chevrolet was fast right off the truck. The Lyman native was third-fastest among 30 in the first practice session, delayed by an unexpected yet heavy rain shower.
“I’m just so pleased with all the work this team did in the shop after Star,” Tardiff said. “I had slowed down for a wreck down there and got hit pretty hard from behind. It took a big effort to get this thing ready for Oxford, and it got put back together just right.”
In Sunday’s qualifying action, Tardiff finished fifth in the first of three 15-lap heats. In the feature, he started 10th on the 30-car starting field and quickly charged up into the top five. With only two cautions to slow the pace (at lap 12 and lap 112), the leaders simply ran away from the pack.
Tardiff faded slightly as the fast-paced race wore on yet salvaged a solid 15th-place finish, the first car one lap down. It wasn’t the finish the team wanted, yet measurable progress is being made.
“We found the speed we needed in the car for short runs, but we still need to work on keeping it for those long green-flag runs,” Tardiff explained. “Seeing the big progress we’ve made already this spring, I’m confident we will get there. For now, it’s time to regroup and get ready for Loudon.”
Next up for the TMR Racing squad is the third annual New England Short Track Showdown at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The two-day event is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. The weekend will showcase drivers in six divisions on the famed “Magic Mile,” built by Bob Bahre.
TMR Racing is owned by Rick Lockwood, a real estate developer who resides in Gorham, Maine. Tom Nason is also a part of the team, and brings years of racing experience to the table. Alan’s father, Marc, is very active in the shop and on race day, as are a handful of dedicated crew members.
Founded in September of 2004 by Dave Kaemmer and John Henry, iRacing is the world’s premier motorsport racing simulation. iRacing puts you in the driver’s seat by allowing members to experience today’s newest form of competitive motorsport: virtual racing.
Earnest Performance was established in 2014 by veteran shock specialist Brannon Earnest. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based company offers a full-service, in-house shock program including everything from sales and service to at-the-track consulting.