Ed Gilfus story

[ChuckLicata]

article from The Bastrop Advertiser

 

 

"Gilfus trying to put Bastrop on racing map"

 

By Jon Garrett

Sports Editor / The Bastrop Advertiser

 

Bastrop's Ed Gilfus is what some people would call a motor head. For the better part of the last three decades the Mazda Bastrop service manager has engaged in a love affair with cars and what makes them tick. He's built them, raced them and now he wants to share his love of them with the community that has given him so much-- and maybe grab a rookie of the year title along the way.

With the help of his wife, Rosemary, his son, and crew chief, Justin, Jason Massey and Helena MacLachlan, Gilfus who began racing cars in 1978, is embarking on his first season of racing in the Texas Asphalt Modified Series.

Driving a 2,580-pound Ford powered vehicle with a 351 Windsor engine with about 500 horsepower, Gilfus has the equipment and experience needed to win. However, before he goes anywhere he wants to invite Bastrop County to join him on the ride.

So, last Wednesday Gilfus headed to Mina Elementary School in Bastrop with his # 6 car in tow to talk to the students there about racing, cars and safety in and out of the car.

Gilfus used the almost hypnotic allure of the car to grab the students' attention and then lectured them about everything from seat belt safety to stranger danger, before rewarding the kids' attentiveness by letting the students take a closer look at the car.

After everyone had a closer look, Gilfus posed for Polaroids and handed out Hot Wheels to the kids. It was a scene repeated often throughout that day at Mina, and a very important one for Gilfus and his team.

"We're just trying to give back to the community," MacLachlan said.

Gilfus added that it is important for him to do what he can for Bastrop because so many people in the community have helped him along the way. He currently has the support of three sponsors along with some help from Mazda. "Luckily Mazda is big into racing on the corporate level and they've helped me a lot," Gilfus said "Whynota Massage, Mobile One Oil and BG Products sponsor the car."

So far things have worked out well for Gilfus. He finished in the top 10 in his first race. However, he still has a long climb ahead if he is to be rookie of the year.

Those who would like to keep track of Gilfus season can log onto www.texasmodifieds.com. The website features driver information, race schedules and results.

 

The majority of the races in the series take place at San Antonio Speedway, Corpus Christi Speedway, Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle and Red River Speedway in Wichita Falls.