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For immediate release:
TSTRS Public Relations
Contact: Gina Schild-Knowles
Tel: 713-907-0906

Pollaro team bounces back for Triple Crown win at HMP
Heil, BMF Shocks & Chassis puts three drivers in Victory Lane

HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 29, 2020) — There's an old saying that you can't keep a good man down for long. 

After the sting of a post-race disqualification two weeks prior in the inaugural Texas Truck Challenge, team owner Rick Pollaro and his drivers bounced back over the weekend, claiming three feature wins in the inaugural Gary Merrell Memorial race on Saturday at Houston Motorsports Park. 

John Heil (Outlaw) and Matt Merrell (Pro Truck) drove Pollaro-owned cars, while Max Calles (Pro Mod) wheeled a BMF Chassis built and maintained by Heil into Victory Lane to complete a dominant comeback. Merrell is the son of the event's namesake, making for an emotional post-race celebration. 

The three feature victories came with no post-race technical issues, and none were expected. For Calles, it was his second consecutive win, adding to Pollaro's amazing season. As a multi-car team owner, Rick supports the Texas Short Track Racing Series like no other. His equipment is top-notch. 

Heil had been the first driver across the stripe back on Sept. 12 after 75 laps of racing. In post-race technical inspection, it was discovered that his transmission had a gun-drilled shaft inside, a clear violation of the rules. Yet upon further inspection, it was discovered several trucks were guilty. 

“In an extensive investigation into this matter, we've learned a great deal,” TSTRS General Manager and Marketing Director Gina Schild-Knowles said. “My husband has been in contact with the manufacturer directly, who set the record straight on what is offered to racers across the country. 

“There was no intentional misrepresentation by the manufacturer or by those who install them. Many teams don't have time to complete or install their owns transmissions. The commonly used Super T10 main shaft from Richmond Gear (PN 1304171005) is a solid, non-rollerized, non-gun drilled shaft. The gun-drilled shafts are only available in a kit (PN 1304671010) and are ordered separately.” 

What this investigation uncovered is the simple fact most teams are using a transmission with that kit installed without knowing it. None of them were looking to circumvent the rulebook at all. 

An amendment to the rulebook for the 2021 season is forthcoming and will address this issue. 

“Once we discovered that so many teams use that transmission and really had no idea they were illegal, I needed to help alleviate the accusations implied towards the No. 96 team. John and Rick are dedicated, devoted racers who've been around this sport a long time. They're both an asset to our sport.” 

About Texas Short Track Racing Series/NASCAR Houston

The Texas Short Track Racing Series is an asphalt oval racing series based in Houston, Texas, competing at Houston Motorsports Park. Texas Asphalt Racing Promotions, LLC, manages advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the series. To learn more, follow the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nascarhouston.

Fans who love NASCAR and short tracks should also bookmark www.NASCARHouston.com to stay abreast of the latest news as it happens.

About Houston Motorsports Park

Houston Motorsports Park is an auto racing complex that includes a 3/8 mile NASCAR-sanctioned paved oval and an NHRA-sanctioned 1/8 mile drag strip. For more information, please go to www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

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