4/5/2014
IRA Interstate Racing Association
HELPING HAND LEADS TO TEAM EFFORT
Russel Borland and Blake Nimee Team Up for 2014 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Series Assault!
April 5, 2014; Appleton, WI. – Racing is a competitive sport. Gaining an advantage on your fellow competitor is one of the keys to victory lane. Why then would one competitor help another to be faster? Perhaps it’s about elevating the competition, but sometimes it’s about helping a fellow racer that’s struggling a bit, to get better.
Russell Borland had done just that, and in return he was able to gain a teammate for the 2014 racing season. Two drivers sharing setups and information which will elevate both their race programs, hopefully propelling them to victory lane.
How did it happen? Lets look back a bit. Blake Nimee a resident of Oswego, Illinois, started his racing career with the assistance of his grandfather, Robert Kammerer. Kammerer was a standout competitor in regional sprint and midget racer who had won the UARA Midget Championship at Joliet Memorial Stadium in 1979. After retiring from the sport Kammerer returned to racing to help his grandson Blake Nimee learn the ropes.
For the next 13 years Nimee and his grandfather worked up the ranks to sprint car racing, unfortunately Kammerer lost his battle with cancer. Undaunted, Blake and his father purchased a car and continued his racing career which Robert Kammerer had set in motion. While the team has some success there were times when Nimee struggled for speed and surely could use an additional helping hand or two in the pits.
Enter Russel Borland, a driver who jumped behind the wheel of a 410 sprint to start his racing career in 2007. During his first season Borland would wind up runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors and slowly improved with each passing season. By 2012 Borland had become a top five competitor on the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint circuit. He was now a threat to win races, looking for a way to reach the podium by the time Nimee first appeared on the IRA circuit.
By now Borland had become known as one of the more consistent drivers on the circuit as well ask for his sharp looking equipment and his dedication to the tour, often completing seasons with 100% participation in events.
The pair did battle on several occasions heading into the 2013 season. It was at LaSalle where Borland had noticed Nimee and his father were struggling a bit and extended an offer to assist the young charger.
Nimee explained his situation, “The challenges you overcome speak volumes about your accomplishments throughout the year. In my case, getting a car to the track was a sonic boom. We had motor issues, overheating, driveline issues...and not enough time. After we were plagued with problems at LaSalle Speedway In Illinois”, noted the young charger. Borland approached Nimee with an offer of assistance. “Russel approached me and basically said ‘Bring the car up to my house, I'll get it going right and we will hit up a few races together and see how it goes’." and the team effort began.
Borland knew of Nimee’s background, “After the passing of his grandpa with a long fight against cancer. Blake's dad decided to continue what his grandpa started. So they bought a car and I noticed they were struggling with setups so I started helping them out”, noted Borland.
“Things started going good for both of us. Starting near the end of last season he's been running out of my shop. We both built brand new identical cars to help with setups and R&D. Blake's 2014 car is a tribute car to his grandpa”, explained Borland.
Heading into 2014 both drivers have their game plan. For Borland the goal is to continue to edge toward the top of the standings and capture his first career A-main victory. He will be supported by his sponsors Pro Renovations, Wiese Trucking, The Other Bar in Waupun, WI, Dynamic Pet Palace, Roger and Dan’s Auto service, Litegard, AEC engines, TNT enterprises, Reeds Chrysler and TD graphics.
Nimee, meanwhile, will honor his grandfather’s legacy with a tribute car. Nimee noted his place for the season. “This season is really about honoring his legacy. I am doing a replica of one of his cars from the 70's this year and I'm told, when he started to come into his own, people recognized him by the car I am paying tribute to, with a few added inspirations of my own.”, stated Nimee.
“As for my intentions for 2014 the plan is to continue to learn about the car, have strong and consistent finishes and keeping it in one piece. I honestly feel like everything has come together for my strongest season yet. I can't wait to being the 2014 offensive!”, exclaimed Nimee.
Pro Renovations, TD Graphics, Roger and Dan's Auto Shop, and Advanced Engine Concepts grace the side of the car as Nimee’s sponsors.
The pair are looking to compete in every Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint series event and Borland noted his intentions to compete in a couple local World of Outlaws events.
With a two team effort in place, 2014 looks to be a very successful season for both drivers. Borland had reached out to lend a helping and gained a teammate in the process. Expect both drivers to be racing each other and the rest of the field for the checkered flag.
IRA proudly moves into 2014 backed by its' long time supporting series partners, led by title sponsor Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, and associate series partners Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Hoosier Tire, Cummins Onan, and Carriage Auto Body.
The 2014 season is currently scheduled to get underway on Saturday Night, April 19th at the Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway marking the first of 30 shows to be held this season at 15 different area tracks.
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints are a featured member of Racetext.net a website dedicated to bringing fans the best possible coverage of local racing.
Article Credit: Jeffrey Sachse
Submitted By: Jeffrey Sachse
