Story By: A2DPR / ZACH NEWLIN RACING – PORT ROYAL, PA – Starting a 410 sprint car program is not an easy task for anyone but it is an especially challenging effort for a family team stretching every dollar to make it happen.
After numerous highly successful years in the 305 sprint car ranks followed by quick success in the 358 division as well in his family-owned No.11z, Zach Newlin dabbled in the 410 ranks at the wheel of equipment other than his own for a couple years. While there were some highlights in those limited outings, those rides didn’t seem to be the right fit.
In 2023 Newlin and his family decided to resurrect the family-owned team and take it to the 410 sprint car level.
PERSISTENCE
Newlin’s 2024 debut was delayed until June. He came into it knowing he was down on horsepower compared to most of his competition but he needed to hit the track to start working out the bugs and building a notebook. It takes time to build a 410 sprint car program and you can’t do it in the shop.
His first five outings of this season were a struggle. The team battled a mystery power issue that would creep up mid-race. The frustration reached unwanted levels.
Doubts briefly crept into Newlin’s mind. Did he belong here? Was it worth it?
The short answer to both: yes.
Newlin and team kept digging and finally got to the bottom of the issue. When Port Royal Speedway’s Labor Day Classic hit the clay on Monday afternoon, he timed 6th quick in his group, right in the thick of the regulars.
An 8th place finish in his heat race on the tough daytime surface put Newlin in the B-main where he raced to a 9th place finish from the 10th starting spot in his Ron’s RV Sales, Butler Hill Maple Farm, Tuscarora Roofing Co., Dillman Hauling, Wintergreen Window Cleaning, Christine Booher, Safety-Kleen, Strange Oval, Walker Performance Filtration, Newlin Bar Service, The Podium Awards, Nesbit Innovations, Deimler Chiropractic and Your Dry Basement No.11z
Statistically it wasn’t a day to write home about but for this small team it was a hurdle cleared. Now the process of tuning their car’s handling can finally begin in earnest.
To help broaden the smiles in the team’s pit after the race, Newlin was selected as the winner of the J&S Classics Warrior Award. The prize, awarded to the driver who finishes in the position of the pill that is drawn, is presented courtesy of Sandy Kline.
While all of this has been playing out over the past couple months, Newlin has had a bigger engine being rebuilt as time and funds allowed. That powerplant is nearly ready, so that award money will come in very handy to help keep this team progressing toward being a weekly competitor.
“I can’t thank Sandy (Kline) enough for putting up this award money and for everything she does for the sport. All of us in the pit area appreciate her.”, Newlin said.
“I want to thank my mom, my dad, and my entire family for everything they do to help this team exist. We knew this wouldn’t be easy. We’re going to keep working hard to build a competitive 410 team.”
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of our partners. I want to say thanks to them all and I hope everyone will go out and support those folks who support us.”
UP NEXT
Tentatively, the next race for Newlin in the 11z is September 21st at BAPS Motor Speedway. Other options are under consideration. Stay tuned to Zach Newlin Racing on Facebook and Twitter for schedule updates!
Newlin has three 358 sprint car races remaining in the Mansberger Motorsports No.21m, all of which are at Williams Grove Speedway on September 13th, 20th and 21st.