BRP/Hoosier Tires Modified Tour ‘08

Rob Curtis: Overcoming Adversity in Modified Tour Action

Marcie L. Barlow, BRP/Hoosier Race Tires Modified Tour Media Relations

Greenville, PA Modified driver Rob Curtis had planned on having a breakout season in 2007. After several years of competing primarily at the Sharon Speedway the former ATV and Snowmobile Racing Champion had planned on following the BRP/Hoosier Race Tires Modified Tour. Unfortunately, fate intervened at the Series’ opener at the Tri-City Speedway when Rob flipped at the starter’s stand during the 30-lap feature event. The Curtis Racing Team refused to accept this setback and they have spent the past several weeks working feverishly to rebuild the racecar. “First and foremost I want to thank Billy Colton and Troyer Race Cars for building such a strong and safe race car,” stated Curtis. “I also need to send out a special ‘Thank You’ to The Kinsman Connection of Jeff and Carlin Hine for all of their assistance in helping me get the car back together. In addition, Larry Riffe and my entire crew have been putting in countless hours in the shop. Their hard work and loyalty are greatly appreciated.”

Curtis raced four wheelers and snowmobiles (in fact he even competed as a “Pro” in the four wheelers) before moving onto the local oval track circuit. Rob’s entry into the Modified Division began in a rather interesting way. “I was the crewmember for a local Limited Modified team and the driver was in the process of getting a divorce. Since I had a financial interest in the team I bought out the driver and decided to go racing. Larry Riffe built me an engine and I began my career in the West Penn Limited Modified Division at the Mercer Raceway,” said Curtis. Curtis competed in the Limited Modified Division for a year and a half before moving to the Big Block Modified Division.

“The first few years we definitely learned alot thanks to individuals like Lou Blaney,” stated a very gracious Curtis. “Lou always took the time to answer my questions,” continued Curtis, “He would often offer me additional tips in setting up the car. Lou is one of the true legends of our sport and I am very fortunate to have competed with him. He is a true gentleman and his extensive racing resume definitely attests to that.”

Carlin and Jeff Hine are well known in the local tri-state area as excellent Sprint Car engine builders but Curtis is quick to credit these two individuals for their assistance in getting him to a more competitive level in the Modified Division. “Jeff and Carlin have been instrumental in getting me on the right track in the last four years. Their extensive setup knowledge as well as their motor building expertise are why the Curtis Racing Team has become more successful in the past few years,” stated a very grateful Curtis. “We have a great relationship and I hope to continue it for many years to come,” continued Curtis.

Rob’s most memorable moment in racing is definitely his first Big Block feature win at the Sharon Speedway. “Following Lou Blaney’s accident at the Sharon Speedway he was unable to drive and I purchased his Teo Chassis,” said Curtis. “I ran the car for two weeks at the Mercer Raceway Park and actually almost won the feature event the second week out. The following week I raced at the Sharon Speedway and captured my first Big Block Feature win. As I pulled off of the speedway Lou gave me a big smile and a ‘Thumbs Up.’ He was definitely just as excited and proud as I was!”

In addition to Lou Blaney, Rob’s grandfather is also one of his racing influences. Rob’s grandfather competed in the Coupe Division in the 1930’s and 40’s. “When they completed their events at the oval tracks my grandfather and his fellow competitors would race their jalopies through the countryside,” said Curtis. Unfortunately, Rob’s grandfather never got to the local speedways to see him race but his influence is still a big part of the Curtis Racing Team as his number (6 7/8) is always incorporated into the Number 86 on Rob’s cars.

The Curtis Racing Team is very fortunate to have a strong contingent of loyal sponsors. The team’s sponsors include Greenville Gun and Supply, Lias Tires, Hine Racing Engines, Denny’s Restaurant, Intense Fabrication, The Body Shop located in Jamestown, PA, Open Signs, McCann’s Powder Coating and Beto’s Pizza. “I need to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to each and every one of our sponsors; without them we would not be able to do this. In addition their loyalty to myself and the Curtis Racing Team are greatly appreciated. I am proud to say that Greenville Gun and Supply has been a member of our team for five years. In addition Intense Fabrication, Hine Racing Engines and Beto’s Pizza have been with us for four years. We do our best to provide our marketing partners with a winning performance each time we get on the track and the Curtis Racing Team certainly values their commitment to our team,” stated Curtis.

Curtis is also very thankful for his dedicated crew that include Larry Riffe, Jim Moats, Ryan Wingard, Rob McElhaney, Matt Martina and Lois Colasante. “My crew is terrific. They spend countless hours in the garage each evening working on the car. In addition they sacrifice time with their families, etc. each weekend to keep the car on the track and words cannot express how much I appreciate their assistance,” continued Curtis.

As the Fourth of July holiday draws near Rob and the Curtis Race Team are undaunted by the fact that they have all but been eliminated from any of the 2007 points races. “We will have the car back in action very soon and we plan on winning quite a few events in July and August,” exclaimed Curtis. Hopefully the mid-summer holiday will result in some “Good Luck” for Rob Curtis and the Curtis Racing Team as they rebound from their Memorial Day Misfortune!!

The Modified Tour 07 would like to thank the following series sponsors: Bicknell Racing Products, Hoosier Race Tire, Sunoco Race Fuel, Bilstein Shocks, Ray’s Racing Collectibles, Approved Toilet Rental, Lowry Auto Body, Lake Erie Speed Specialties, Hall’s Safety Equipment, Engles Trucking, Big Daddy’s Speed Center, Precise Racing Products, Finishline Fabrication, Wilkinson Awards, McCool’s Signs and Graphics, Hands on Concepts, Waldo’s Towing, Hooter Chassis and Hobby, Jim’s Supermarket, Pennewell Sandblasting and Painting and King Brothers.

The Modified Tour Inc. racing series is a non-profit organization established to give the V-8 Modifieds in the Western Pennsylvania area a chance to compete with one another for a higher purse structure and for a point fund for the races that are run. Started in 1998 by Tim Engles, Lon and Pam Baker and Randy Myers the Modified Tour has had great success at bringing the local cars together at the area racetracks.