Adam & Rick Crawford testing at MIS. (Circle Bar PR Photo)

With Adam Crawford making his first Late Model start at Mobile International Speedway, the Circle Bar Race Team is doing double duty this weekend. Part of the team is in Martinsville with the truck, while another group led by former crew chief Ray Stonkus is in Mobile, Alabama. Adam Crawford, a fixture on the Circle Bar truck team during the summer has been testing his Circle Bar late model for months in anticipation of the season opener in Mobile. Under the watchful eye of long time NASCAR crew chief Ray Stonkus, the younger Crawford has been making laps and honing his racing skills. Ray Stonkus, "The kid is real smooth and he has adapted really well to each race track we've tested him at. I've worked with his Dad since his late model days and Adam is way ahead of where his Dad was at this age."

It is no coincidence that Adam will make his first start at Mobile International Speedway (MIS). Rick Crawford, "I cut my racing teeth in Mobile. I won a lot of races there and the fans there really pushed me to my success. Ida Fields (track owner) repaved the track last year and it's a fun place to race. It's a long haul to Mobile from North Carolina but I can't think of a better place for Adam to get started."

After a few seasons in the 600 Racing program Adam Crawford is ready to take on his next racing challenge. "I'm already losing sleep thinking about opening night. I've watched hundreds of races at Mobile, dreaming of racing there and it's finally going to happen Saturday. I'm in an awesome position, Ray Stonkus is crew chiefing and my Dad has been helping me get around the track. I'm pretty lucky."

And where will Dad be on opening night? "The race in Martinsville doesn't start until 3:00. We've tried to think of everyway possible for me to get down there but its just not going to happen. This won't be the last time my schedule keeps me from seeing Adam race but I sure wish I could make this one. I'll have to get the play by play over the phone."

After the season opener, Adam Crawford is scheduled to race in the entire 100 lap super late model series at Mobile International Speedway. To keep up with Adam, you can go to his web site at www.adamcrawfordracing.com.