by Jacob Hord, @HordRaceWatcher
(February 17, 2023) – After the maiden season of Team DGRD Racing was slowed down due to engine woes, Team DGRD has reloaded and expanded its program in both the 410 and 360 divisions. Brandon Wimmer will once again pilot the Team DGRD No. 6 machine in the 410 division across the midwest. On the 360 side, Team DGRD Racing is expanding to a two-car operation, with Alex Vande Voort taking the reins of the No. 6A car, and Kelby Watt behind the wheel of the No. 6K car.
The 410 schedule sees a heavy dosage of Knoxville Raceway, as the team wants to support the track. “The main focus is the 410 will run for owners points at Knoxville. We’re still looking for a fill-in driver for the TBD shows. We want to support Knoxville,” said owner Dennis Gainey.
Other 410 schedule highlights include a visit to Kokomo Speedway on May 2nd, Eldora Speedway for #LetsRaceTwo, the Eldora Million, Kings Royal, and Four Crown weekend, the Knoxville 410 Nationals, and the Tuscarora 50 Weekend at Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania.
“I want to thank Dennis and Betty Gainey for letting me drive their beautiful race car again in 2023!” said Brandon Wimmer. “Our rookie season together was full of struggles, but we started to show good speed and have better results by the end of the season, so I am looking forward to building off of that!”
“Dennis is doing a great job of building off what we started with last year, and putting the right pieces in place to make the team even better, and I look forward to 2023,” concluded Wimmer.
The 360 program will have both the 6A of Alex “Pig Pen” Vande Voort and 6K of Kelby Watt compete at Knoxville Raceway weekly, where team owner Dennis Gainey hopes to have both cars in the top ten of points at the end of the season. The Knoxville 360 Nationals are circled on the calendar for 2023, where Team DGRD will have all three cars entered, looking to build off a quicktime set by Kelby Watt in 2022. Other shows with the Sprint Invaders, as well as the Bull Haulers Brawl at Husets could be in the cards for 2023 as well.
“I’m really looking forward to what the season has to offer,” Vande Voort said. “Not just with the 6a, but all three teams. We’ve been able to build a very nice program and it should produce some very fun memories and good results. This will be the most exciting for my racing career to date, and this could really be a big step for me.”
Kelby Watt went on to add: “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity Betty and Dennis Gainey have given me to drive the Team DGRD #6K 360 Sprint Car this season. The equipment they proved for the 2022 360 Nationals was phenomenal. I can’t wait to work with everyone again this season and build off our success from last year. I can’t thank all of our partners enough for making this season happen, I’m looking forward to the first race!”
Team DGRD would like to thank these product partners for their support on all three cars: Maxim Chassis, Parker Engines, Ti22 Components, DMI Rear Ends, Hawk Wings, Astro Titanium, Smith Ti Brakes, Weld Wheels, Penske Shocks, KSE Racing Products, and Simpson Race Products.
Team DGRD would also like to thank these partners for their support: Walker’s Hearing Protection, Stealth Cam, Muddy, RevTech, Pella Motors.com, Tanzanite Homes, KRM Custom Homes, Carl Konz Agency, JD Welding and Machine, Miller, Central Tire and Auto, Clark’s Custom Coatings, T&S Industries, Right Choice Shearing, Speedquip Motorsports, Home Services Lending, I.C.E. Contractors, Accutool, RS Button Boxes, Hellraizer Jacks, and Norwood Inn Bar and Grill.
For any sponsor/media inquiries, please reach out to TeamDGRD@Gmail.com