Photo courtesy of The Nicki Factor - TJ is ready

TJ Hartman Racing - Update: Spring Ahead!

Puyallup, WA - March 14, 2010...

It has been nearly a year since TJ has motioned a push truck and flipped the switch to fire his sprint car. Granted, the push truck was a Polaris Quad courtesy of his neighbor, and the engine roaring to life was merely in the driveway to check for fluid leaks. But the sound of his Wesmar engine's healthy tone was a welcome noise for TJ, his team, and even his neighbors.

The ability to fire off the engine before the team makes its way to the first race of the year allows for everything to be checked over. There is more than just fittings to be checked. TJ explains: "Wesmar always puts together a great engine for us, so there's never a doubt it's going to run. But we like to make sure we have everything tightened up on our end. And it gives me a chance to get in the car and make sure everything fits and I'm comfortable. Brian(Butlerbuilt) and his guys built a perfect fitting seat for me and it felt great to sit in the car again, even if it was just to start the car."


Photo courtesy of The Nicki Factor - TJ ready to get 2010 started

Now that the car is finished and ready to go, the team is focusing on a few other details. TJ continues: "We've always been pretty organized in the shop, but we're always looking for better ways to do things. We kind of have to find some simpler ways to do things now, and just being more organized in the shop and in the trailer will help with that. I learned a lot from Paul(Silva) last year, and he still answers questions for me. I don't think there's anyone more organized than he is. It's cool to stay in touch with him and the guys, and I hope I get a chance to hook up with them for a few races again this year. It's always fun with those guys."

Keeping it fun is a great way to be, but there is a serious side as well. TJ knows there is still more work to do. He finishes the update: "Now that the car is ready, we're busy putting together a few spare parts. I can't thank the people who have helped us enough. Scott at Hooker Harness and all of my sponsors really. I wouldn't have what I do without them, and I wouldn't have any other manufacturer's parts on my car. I believe in their products and service, and it feels great when they believe in me. I can't wait to get back to the track!"

TJ can taste the methanol and dirt, and opening day is still a month or more away. The road back to the track has been long, but he has shown patience and maturity beyond his years. Between calls to vendors, sponsors, and working in the shop, he is still going full bore with his courses at Pierce College. Having the people he has behind him has made the tasks at hand easy to overcome, and the entire TJ Hartman Racing team thanks all of you for your support.

Next scheduled stop - Finding an opening day for racing amidst the storm clouds of the Northwest!


TJ Hartman Racing
www.TJHartmanRacing.com

2010 Sponsors -

A1A BuyNSell

A1A Notary

Beckler's Mobile Welding Service - www.becklermobilewelding.com

Advanced Powder Coating - www.gopowder.com

Hooker Harness - www.HookerHarness.com

Parts Plus of Summit - www.PartsPlus.com

Performance Coatings - www.Performancecoatings.com

Rod End Supply - www.Rodendsupply.com

Simpson Race Products - www.Simpsonraceproducts.com

Wesmar Racing Engines - www.WesmarRacing.com

Kinsler Fuel Injection - www.Kinsler.com

www.TJHartmanRacing.com