Droud Jr. learns from mentoring teammates during Chili Bowl 2024

Dave Campbell Photo

By Nicole Signor:

LINCOLN, Nebraska (January 28th, 2023) - Now that the dust has settled and the building has cleared; Don Droud Jr. raced in the 2024 Chili Bowl, behind the wheel of the Team Jack Foundation and Mark Burch Motorsports Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Droud Jr. had put himself in position for a soup run, but eventually would end in 9th place in the G-1 Feature of Saturday competition. 

“As it is with every Chili Bowl, the amount of luck you either get, or lack thereof, is always a struggle.  With all three cars, our heat races didn't do us any favors and it put us behind the eight-ball for the remainder of the time.  Nevertheless, we never gave up searching for a better way off and on the track.”, said Droud Jr on the week’s racing action. 

“What I probably learned most from this trip, came from the side of mentoring teammates; Brandt [O’Banion] and Zach [Hampton].  While both drivers were aggressive and anxious to make immediate gains in their cars; I found that just like a car set-up, you can't expect to give them the same thing- regarding coaching.  But they were great listeners, made adjustments and got better each time they got on track.”, said Droud Jr on assisting his teammates through the week.

“Our primary and veteran driver, Don Droud Jr just came up one spot short in our heat race which can make or break your Chili Bowl.  It just goes to show that a lot of luck also goes into having a successful week.  While Saturday practice provided less than favorable track conditions, Jr would rebound on Friday with a quick car in Friday hot laps but a tough draw for the heat put us behind for the night.  As our team never quits, we would move on to win the C main and end up 11th in the B.  After practice day and three different nights of racing with three different drivers, Don's hard work on the cars and help coaching teammates Zach Hampton and rookie Brant O'Banion proved to be a great asset to our team heading into Saturday's final races.  After some shock and spring changes and a lot of consultations with the team, we came up with a plan of attack with setups and strategies for all three cars and drivers that seemed to work well.  For someone like Don who eats, breathes and sleeps racing, it's an honor to have him behind the wheel of the Team Jack 22T race car.” said Burch on his driver, Droud Jr.

“While competing at the Chili Bowl against some of the best competition on the planet is what we eat and breathe, our passion is raising awareness for the Team Jack Foundation. Flying the Team Jack colors and logos on our cars, uniforms and helmets is our way to help raise funds for research to fight this terrible disease.  Simply put, it takes money to find a cure.  Our relationship with the foundation is simply on a pro-bono basis.  While their emotional and logistical support is huge, all of the advertising we do is at no cost to the foundation and 100% of the proceeds for merchandise goes directly to the foundation to help fund a cure.”, said Burch. 

“The Chili Bowl is one of the best platforms for us to continue to get the word out about funding Pediatric Brain Cancer research.  From the great announcers of Bryan Hulbert, Blake Anderson and Tony Bokhoven, the incredible coverage and interviews on FloRacing, our merchandise table in our pit area, our drivers and crew who always represent, the coverage and exposure has been phenomenal.  Thanks to everyone who helps support our cause - See you at the races!”, said Burch on representing the Team Jack Foundation.

Burch Motorsports sold the most merchandise they have ever sold at the Chili Bowl, and even ran out of some items.  Burch and team are appreciative of everyone’s efforts and support shown to the Team Jack Foundation. Burch Motorsports is happy to announce 100% of the proceeds went to the Team Jack Foundation.  If you would like to show your direct support to the Team Jack Foundation, merchandise is available on the website: shop.teamjackfounation.org.

The Team Jack Foundation is also giving fans a chance to win a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2-Door Convertible when you donate to this cause. If you are interested in donating to help children suffering from brain cancer and aid in the research, you can donate at the TeamJackFoundation.org.

The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals dates have been released for next year; January 12th through January 18, 2025.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES:
Contact Mark Burch: mark@markburch.com

SPECIAL THANKS:
Mark Burch Motorsports and Don Droud Jr. would like to thank all of their marketing partners: Team Jack Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research, Engler Machine & Tool, Speedway Motors, Chalk Stix Torsion Bars, Weld Wheels, Schoenfeld Headers, Harris Decals, QuickCar, and Smith Titanium

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Mark Burch Motorsports & Don Droud Jr. on social media:
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/DonDroudJrRacin
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/Dare2Team
Follow Mark Burch Motorsports on social media:
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/mbmotorspt

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Nicole Signor
Nicole Signor Creative
nsignorcreative@gmail.com
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