Probst Motorsports Debuts PRO-Light Nissan as PRO-2WD Finishes on Podium Both Days!

(New Lenox, IL ) – May 22, 2007 - Probst Motorsports came to Steele County Fairgrounds with two race trucks, Kevin Probst’s race-proven PRO-2WD Chevrolet Silverado, and the team’s just completed PRO-Light Nissan Frontier, driven by Jon Probst and George Schultz.

Jon Probst and George Schultz have built the first PRO-Light chassis kit from the U-Weld factory. This first truck of its kind, has much of the short-course off-road racing community watching it’s every move. The first weekend of competition would be used as more of a test session for both truck and drivers.
Kevin Probst was looking for a strong 2007 season. After a season of competition with his PRO-2WD Chevy Silverado, Kevin took the time in the off-season to fine tune the suspension, thanks to the addition of new Fox Shox.

In Friday afternoon practice, the #99 Simply WOW, JMR Manufacturing, Toyo Tire, PRO-2WD Chevrolet Silverado, looked ready for Round One. Jon Probst was able to get valuable time behind the wheel of the PRO-Light, enabling the team to fine tune the #5 Nissan Frontier’s Fox Shox suspension.

Saturday - Round One
PRO-LIGHT
Jon Probst and his #5 Nissan Frontier took the green flag, and cleanly came through Turn One. Jon drove a smart and clean race, bringing home his Nissan Frontier a respectable 9th place. The team gathered valuable information about the new truck’s suspension, driveline, and powerplant.

“Our first run in the Simply Wow Nissan Frontier went pretty well,” remarked Jon Probst. “We need to work on tuning the suspension a bit, and work with the guys at Toyo on the tire grooving. Overall, the truck worked well. It really feels good to get some seat time, and have the truck finish the first time out.”

PRO-2WD
The field for the opening round of WSORR competition had several big names competing for the championship. Kevin Probst, as well as, Scott Taylor, Brian Hinman, Mike Oberg, and Evan Evans were all ready to battle for the win.

The start saw the top 4 trucks side by side going through the first turn. The first several laps, saw the top four positions constantly changing. The Fox Shox really kept the Toyo Tires on the ground, allowing the Pro Power engine to really keep the #99 Chevrolet Silverado in the front pack of racers. At the finish, Kevin came home in third place.

Overnight Probst Motorsports went through the check lists, and prepared the trucks for Sunday’s Round Two. The PRO-Light truck had some changes in the suspension, while the PRO-2WD truck had some extra attention paid to the brake system.

Sunday – Round Two
Sunday morning practice was cancelled, as the WSORR track crew needed additional time to drain the standing water that accumulated on the fairgrounds race track, from heavy overnight rains.

PRO-LIGHT
Now it was George Schultz’ turn to get behind the wheel of the #44 Simply WOW, JMR Manufacturing, Toyo Tire, Nissan Frontier. George and Jon are splitting driving duties this year, as the team sorts out the new truck. For the 2008 season, a second PRO-Light truck will be built.

The team’s goal was to finish the race, and use the additional feedback to tune the truck’s setup. George ran a very clean race, and finished ninth.

“We were a little tentative at the start, due to a lack of practice on the track,” commented George Schultz. “Jon basically dialed the truck in for me. My job was to get accustomed to the track and the truck. I was just looking to build on our speed every lap. Our Simply WOW Nissan Frontier had no problem blasting through the moguls.”

“It really feels good when you build a truck, and it finishes both races, right out of the box,” added Jon Probst. “It’s awesome and the team is really proud of that fact.”

Look for the #5/#44 to move up in the standings at the next event.

PRO-2WD
Kevin knew his truck was fast, and hoping yesterday’s brake issue was corrected. Finishing on top of the podium was on his mind.

Again the top 4 trucks were running nose to tail for much of the first half of the race. Kevin quickly piloted his #99 into second place. The Fox Shox and Toyo Tires worked well together. Kevin was still having some brake issues, but not as bad as the situation in Round One. The hard charging veteran crossed the finish line in second place.

“It was a pretty good race today. The truck was working better than yesterday, the brakes were better, we still have to work on that,” noted Kevin Probst. “The engine and trans temps were nice and cool. Overall I’m pleased with a second place finish today. We have to go for the win next race. It really feels good to run this strong. Before the next race, we will do some testing in Crandon to work on the brakes and fine tune our new Fox Shox.”

Currently Kevin Probst is in second place for the WSORR 2007 PRO-2wd Championship.


Kevin, Jon, and George would like to thank all their sponsors:

Simply WOW,
JMR Manufacturing,
Nissan,
Toyo Tires,
KMC Wheels,
Craftsman Tools,
Fel-Pro,
Indicom,
Lucas Oil.
MSD Ignition,
MT Graphics,
Phil’s Inc.
Ringers Gloves, &
Timken Bearings.


-Mike Reusche, MTG – mike@mt-graphics.com