WoO: Pittman to Drive Casey's General Stores Sprinter
24 December 1998
By Richard DayDES MOINES, IA - Daryn Pittman received an early Christmas present Wednesday when Gil Sonner hired him to drive his #47 Casey's General Stores Maxim with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series in 1999.
"I can't believe it," Pittman said. "I'm really excited. I think it's going to be a good deal. I'm looking forward to working with Gil Sonner and (crew chief) Mike Thurman."
Johnny Herrera drove the #47 for three years before leaving the team after last season. He finished ninth in 1996 and eighth in the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series point standings the last two years.
"I saw Daryn race a few times this year, and he impressed me," Sonner said. "He's personable and I think he'll be a good racer."
Sonner also said he believes the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series needs to add new racers to its already stout roster. He looks forward to Pittman driving his Casey's General Stores Maxim with the leaders.
"They're putting me in some good equipment, so I hope I can go out there and do them a good job," Pittman said. "When I first called them (in mid-November), I didn't think I had a chance of getting the ride. This is just a dream come true for me. This is what I've wanted to do my whole life - run a full season with the World of Outlaws."
Pittman raced in 26 Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series events last season - 12 in his family's #11P Stealth and 14 in the #21 Up Front Phone Cards J&J when Lance Blevins' health problems kept him from competing. Daryn recorded three top-15 finishes, including an 11th- place run in the Channellock Fall Classic at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He finished 22nd in the point standings.
"This will be the first time I've been to some of the race tracks," Daryn said. "That goes along with being a rookie. I hope I can gain a lot of valuable experience and win the Rookie of the Year award."
Sonner expressed his thanks to the many people who sent cards, letters and flowers during his recovery from by-pass surgery. He is on his way to a complete recovery and is looking forward to seeing his fans and friends February 19th when the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series opens its 1999 season at Kings Speedway in Hanford, CA. WoO
