#07 Mark Coldren

Following the opening night crash at Williams Grove Speedway on March 20, the Coldren Motorsports team has developed their plan for the rest of the 2009 season. Owner and driver Mark Coldren was uncertain of the team’s immediate future following the crash, but after two months of not racing and regrouping, both Mark and the rest of the team are ready to get back to the track. A plan has been developed, and it is fairly simple: return to the track and be competitive on a weekly basis with both the 358 and 410 sprint car… and win.

Many assumed that the desire to race and compete was no longer there following the wreck, but in fact, it is just the opposite. Mark’s 6-month-old business, Water Treatment By Design, has taken off better than could have been hoped for, and with time and money being devoted to the business, racing had to be put on hold over the past two months. But changes have been made over the team’s brief hiatus and the 07 team plans to be back in full force.

“The way we were running in 2008 and on opening night says nothing for the way that we are capable of performing.We’ve made what we feel to be the necessary changes, and are ready to prove how this car is able to run,” said Coldren.

Highlighting those changes is the switch to Mach-1 Chassis. Built by top 410 driver and former Coldren Motorsports’ pilot Mark Smith, the 07 team feels as though the Mach-1’s and Smith’s help will get the team back to where it should be. A switch to Pro Shocks has also been made. Other than a second-place finish and a handful of top 10’s in 2008, it has been no secret that the team has been struggling, bringing about these changes. One thing that has not changed is the crew working on the car. Mark says he’s never lost trust in his team.

“I feel like our recent performances have nothing to do with any one person, or even the team as a whole. Jordan [Givler, crew chief], Chad [Reigle, lead crew member], and the guys have been working extremely hard and never stopped trying to find something that may have been holding us back. But the addition of Mark Smith’s knowledge will only add to our chances to be a front runner. There’s no doubt in my mind that given a few races to dial in the new cars, we will be back to where we all feel we should be .”

The regrouping is done, and the rebuilding has begun. The team plans to return in the 358 class on June 27 at Port Royal. Look for a full schedule for the remainder of the season to be out shortly. As always, thank you to all of the fans for their continued support. The team also sends a big “thank you” to the sponsors for being so understanding over the past few months. Advantage Controls, Aquaphoenix Scientific, Vector Industries, Smart Release Technologies, DMI, HP Engines, and Fastsigns have all stood behind the team over their brief absence.

“We want to make it up to the sponsors and fans for not racing the first half of the year. Hopefully we can do that in victory lane,” said Coldren.