Polenz prepares for start of racing at Old Dominion

Fans and drivers alike will have their eyes on David Polenz in today’s Late Model opener at Old Dominion Speedway to see how he will stack up in the points battle against two-time champion Willard Lawrence and Adam Brenner this season. Polenz, NASCAR’s Virginia rookie of the year for 2009, came up 19 points short of Lawrence in last year’s points chase at ODS.

The 18-year-old rookie, however, had an impressive season — finishing second in points, with four wins and 15 top fives, including eight top threes. He also won the ‘Big One’ convincingly in September.

“David’s definitely the top contender this year,” said Adam Brenner, who should also be in the mix for the championship.

Polenz and his team will be looking to continue the strong finishes they had in the last half of 2009, with nine top fives in the last 11 races, including four wins and a second. They also had back-to-back wins in September.

“I think we’re in good shape,” said Jeff Polenz, David’s father and crew chief. “I feel that we’re as good as we were last year at the end of the year. I just hope our luck sticks with us and we can pick up where we left off.”

Last year, Polenz started badly when his engine blew in the opener. But he ended the season on a high note by winning the ‘Big One.’

“Winning the ‘Big One’ was the biggest race of my career by far,” Polenz said. “It was cool to go out there and dominate the way we did against some of the best guys in the business.”
Polenz said that he and his team are focused on the championship.

“I may sound a little overconfident, but I feel like our team has got what it takes to go out there and run good and consistent every week,” he said. “I feel like we’ve got momentum on our side after winning the ‘Big One’ last year.”

Polenz believes Lawrence will be strong racing his own car this season since he will not be working with Sam Beaty.

“Willard’s always been strong in every car he’s gotten into,” Polenz said. “I don’t believe that being without Beaty with hurt him.”

Polenz expects plenty of competition from Mike Darne, Brenner, Robert Bruce and other drivers who won last year as well. Polenz also wants to win more races than last year and be consistent.

He said that the track has required Late Model cars with crate motors to add 100 pounds. But he doesn’t expect that will effect him on the track.
At the start of last season, Polenz had some struggles, with only two top fives in the first five races. But the team found a good setup, and Polenz became more comfortable in the car, and he ran stronger as the season progressed.

The Polenz team will again be working with Dave Moon and sharing information with Brenner and Bruce.

“We got a whole bucket of information last year and that helped,” Polenz said.

Polenz would like to repeat his experience in Legends in Late Models this season. In his first season in Legends, he came in second in points behind Roger Austin Jr. The next year, Polenz won the championship. He would like to match that feat in Late Models.