Breaking News – October 17, 2008

Matt Bowers has once again pulled a surprising mid season adjustment to his quest for a championship. Matt’s remarkable Super Late Model season is a tribute to Crew Chief, Dave Pletcher. Dave, unfortunately, returned to driving leaving Matt without the expert guidance of a top notch crew chief. As a door closes, a bigger door opens. One of the most revered seats in short track racing became available, that of the famous Dick Anderson #92 car and Matt was invited to become its driver for the balance of 2008 and all of 2009.

Dick Anderson is to short track racing what Harry Hide was to the early days of NASCAR. Dick’s legacy began in the 1960s and remains to this day, the most winning driver in short track history and now car owner. There is not a driver in Late Models, east coast to west coast, that would not give their eye teeth for a chance to drive Dick Anderson’s #92 car. Matt got that opportunity this past Friday at Orlando Speedworld where he qualified 2nd and led the field for 18 laps before a tap from the pole setter sent him around. As this was only a test race, both Dick and Matt decided to park the car in preparation for one of Orlando’s biggest events this Friday October 24th. The Marion Edwards Memorial is a 125 lap Sunbelt Series event with huge crowds expected as it is also a Hialeah Race Track reunion; the track where it all started for Dick Anderson and the #92 car.

The big question is how does Matt Bowers get these opportunities? First, he caught the eye of a master looking to continue the legacy of this famous car. Second, of all the talent available, Matt seemed to fit the best profile of a young driver thirsty for the knowledge of a master. Third, it was timing. The “buy the ride” was not even a factor as is the case in most racing opportunities. This is a testament to who Dick and Mary Anderson really are. Mentoring talent has become the passion for the Andersons.

Nestled in one of the most serene settings in the rural South, the New Dixie #92 race shop is fit for a Hollywood movie set. Not at all different from scenes of “Days of Thunder”, Dick’s operation is a story in and of itself. Success in racing begins with a passion. Nowhere on earth is there such a passion, such meticulous preparations of a mechanical wonder that really is the envy of the entire racing world. Matt’s first opportunity to climb into the #92 car was at age 17 and his level, equivalent to being invited to Concord, NC and climbing into the #24 car. The feeling is indescribable.

Friends and fellow racers came by our pits last Friday with the same remark over and over: “Man, he’s got some big shoes to fill!” That he does. But the quest for greatness all passes through those ultimate challenges, this being one of those bigger challenges. But this is also one of those magic opportunities that make a young champion greater with the honor to participate in a legacy.

We hope to see you this Friday at Orlando Speedworld. Matt’s first Super Late Model win came at Orlando back in May when he put on one heck of a show with his #84x car. It has been 8 Sunbelt races since his first big win. 84 plus 8 equals 92.