WHOO HOO!! Team Dirt Dog Driver David Gravel to Wheel Phoenix Racing #59 for Tom and Sherry Leidig in 2014

story & photo by David Biro III - DB3 Imaging
Jupiter, FL | Nov. 21, 2013 - After an up and down season for Phoenix Racing in 2013.. ”We are so excited to have David join are team for 2014" said Amy Leidig.

The 59 of Phoenix Racing was driven by Jac Haudenschild during the 2013 racing season traveling thousands of miles over the east coast and Midwestern United States. Towards the end of the season Phoenix Racing found out Jac would no longer be with them for the rest of the season. Owners Tom and Sherry Leidig found themselves in search of a driver to race The 2013 World Finals in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tim Kaeding filled the seat for the Final Race of 2013.

With the season over, the 59 team found themselves in search of a driver for the 2014 season. David Gravel climbed straight to the top of the list, with other teams interested in him. David capped off rookie of the year with the World of Outlaw STP Sprint Car Series after reaching 26-Top 10s , 7-Top 5′s and winning at I-94 Speedway. “We thought David was the right person for our car,” said Amy Leidig.

“Tom contacted me and wanted to know if I was interested in driving his Phoenix Racing 59 for the 2014 season. After thinking about it and waiting for other potential rides I decided to jump on the opportunity to join their team. My Dad and Tom have became friends over the years and I knew I would be with great family and team,” Said 21 year old Gravel. “I am really excited to know where I will be in 2014 instead of waiting till the season is almost ready to start in 2014. I cannot wait to get in the 59 car and bring great success to Tom and Sherry Leidig I can’t thank them enough.”

Bonzai Bruns will continue as Crew Chief and Kyle Ripper will also reunite with the team. Currently, the team is projecting the same schedule they raced this past season running between 60-70 races. With some potential sponsorship, the option of running The STP World Of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is still there. Only time will tell what the future brings, but for right now Phoenix Racing is focused on getting the race shop and cars ready for the 2014 racing season.