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| August 23, 2007 |
| Driver News: Misty Balser - PROgression |
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 | Misty Balser
(Photo: MotorsportsWeb.com) |
Karting Champion, Misty Balser is about to make a move towards her dream of racing stock cars. While racing karts for the past 6 years, Misty has made a name for herself, taking a WKA National title in 2005 and an amazing two titles at the Willow Springs Karting Club in 2006. Misty has been making plans to move up and take on the INEX 600 Racing Bandolero Series, a series that runs on the oval short tracks, just like NASCAR, her ultimate goal.
After an IKF event held at Stateline, Nevada, Misty, her father and grandfather jumped in a touring van with D. S. Lynch, the owner of MotorsportsWeb.com and headed up to North Las Vegas to Davis Motorsports to inquire about purchasing a Bandolero which would enable Balser to begin her ascent towards the upper series of stock car racing.
Just when it appeared that Misty's racing dream was about to take on the next level in racing, her grandpa Dave became ill and unable to work. No work meant no money for another car, and trying to keep racing karts would take what little money there was available. The talks of purchasing a Bandolero became more distant.
That is, until a phone call came in from her sponsor, Santa Clarita based, MotorsportsWeb.com. “I called and asked if Misty wanted the ride, and she said, yes," explained D.S. Lynch. "It truly was a racing venture that would put two kids on the track. I was speaking with Mr. Davis, and he said they had to sell the Bandolero in order to buy a new legend car, as they had totaled two cars in the past few months. So, I figured this was a way for Misty to move up, and keep the Davis’ on the track.” Lynch continued, “Misty truly earned this ride. She is a National Karting Champ and a great spokesperson for all who support her.
MotorsportsWeb.com has been with Misty and Balser Racing since day one. “It was Christmas morning," continued Lynch. "My God-Daughter, Megan, was over at my place opening her gifts. I had gotten her a computer and a Honda Racing bike. I was the coolest guy around... and then we heard a go-kart outside. It was 6 year old, Misty Balser. I offered a sponsorship that morning.”
Developing a driver and driver development programs are talked about more and more these days. But where does it really start, and how young?
“Misty’s focus on racing is intense. She puts on her race face when she hits the track. She‘s always a ham for the camera, still or video,” commented Misty's Mother, Michele. “She is always practicing saying her sponsor's names, and practices her speeches before her award banquets. “
In 2005, Misty accepted 3 awards for the World Karting Association at the Long Beach Grand Prix. In 2006, when she was accepting her first of two awards for the Willow Springs Karting Club, she stunned the audience as she wore a designer dress with heeled shoes. “She’s all girl when she’s not at the track,” announced her mother. “She’s an everyday kid who loves the mall, swimming and hanging with her friends.”
“I remember having her sign a contract with me when she was 9,” stated the owner of MotorsportsWeb.com. “I asked her one day about a year ago if she had thought of a cool autograph? We worked on it and developed one for her! Then, one day at an IKF event, a few people asked her for her autograph. It was nice to see her signing constantly.”
So is Misty Balser ready for the move up?
The move is big in concepts. Karts don’t have 5 Point Seat Belts, Mirrors, Windshields, Roll Cages, Doors, Fenders, Hoods, Rear Spoilers, nor does karting require a head/neck restraint, yet Balser jumped in the Bandolero last month at Orange Show Speedway and drove the car and the track as if she had been doing it forever.
“When we first sent her out, we had a restrictor plate on it, then, we sent her out with out it. Neither time did she let off the gas,” commented owner Lynch of MotorsportsWeb.com. “She went right next to the wall and held her line. I wasn’t sure how she would react to the wall, let alone stay consistent while only turning left. In karting, you race on road courses which have both left and right turns. The car is much heavier with bigger tires and a whole new feel to it, but, when a driver has it, a driver can almost jump into any style race car and drive it. Look at NASCAR today, with Juan Pablo Montoya and Robby Gordon. Robby can jump into anything and not only drive he can win!"
Misty says she credits her grandfather and her father in her racing career. “Grandpa Dave has always supported my racing. Mainly the money comes from him.” It truly is expensive to run go-karts, and on a given weekend, Misty races in 4 classes, causing her to have and maintain 4 karts.
"The move is big, but it’s truly what I want.” Misty continued, “I went out testing the MotorsportsWeb.com Bandolero at Orange Show Speedway and I'm really excited about the new style of racing the series has to offer. With inspiration from Vegas Bullring Champ, John Davis, Misty really has her team working towards the new racing venture. "We are really thankful to MotorsportsWeb.com, and Davis Motorsports for getting me on track in my racing."
Where does a young girl get the inspiration to race? Misty says, “My Grandpa Dave, My Dad, and the Lynch’s keep me going and head strong, but Danica Patrick and Leilani Münter inspire me as female drivers, and Ron Hornaday, who my parents and Grandpa use to watch at Saugus Speedway. I go past that track on our way to the mall, and I always think of Hornaday taking the checkered. I hope to meet Ron one day. We have the same Webmaster, so as long as our racing schedule will allow, I’m sure I’ll meet him soon. As for Danica and Leilani, I hope to race them someday.”
Misty’s move is also supported by Designer Dirt Girl, So Cal Seamless Gutters, NPL Promotions, and Soccer Star Apparel.
Misty will make her Bandolero debut this Saturday Night, Aug. 25th, at Orange Show Speedway, in San Bernardino. The main gate opens at 5 PM and the evening's event begins at 7.
For more on Misty Balser and her racing, please visit http://www.MistyBalser.com - For more on MotorsportsWeb, please visit http://www.MotorsportsWeb.com |
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