Jeremy Colangelo Ready for South Alabama’s Rattler 250
Florida Native Will Make First Trip to Historic Super Late Model Event
Ronnie Sanders, Mickey Gibbs, Mike Alexander, Pete Hamilton, and Bobby Gill are just a few who have conquered the South Alabama Speedway to win the Rattler 250. The historic race has widely grown in popularity since its inaugural running back in 1974. The 50 lapper has now turned into a 250 lapper, and it is drawing cars from all over the country. Jeremy Colangelo and his Mark Martin Performance Chevy is one of half a dozen Floridians who has already filed an entry for the March 8th event. He plans on going to Opp, Alabama, and show that he’s among the elite in the Super Late Model racing world.
“We are really excited for the Rattler,” said Colangelo. “With the prestige that follows this race and with such a huge entry list, it looks like it’s going to be a great show. I think this is going to be a great experience for us. We’re really excited for it.”
This will be the first time that Colangelo has raced 250 laps. The biggest race he has run prior to this year’s Rattler is the Governor’s Cup 200 in Florida. Despite the extra distance, Colangelo doesn’t feel that it’s going to be an issue.
“That hasn’t really been a question in my mind at all,” said Colangelo. “I have spent a lot of time physically preparing myself as well as mentally. More importantly, physically. I have dropped some weight, and I have been trying to get in better shape for longer races.”
Jeremy Colangelo will be making his first Rattler 250 start next weekend. (51 Sports Photo)
“I have spent a lot of time on the internet looking at pictures just trying to get acclimated with it from an aerial standpoint,” said Colangelo. “I’m looking forward to it. Augie runs really well there, and he has been an awesome asset to our team. For him to have the success he’s had there and to be able to help us with a baseline setup is pretty exciting.”
Expectations are high, as Colangelo wants to make up for a sub-par start to 2009. His RE/MAX Chevy team scored 18 top-five finishes back in 2008. They hope to get back on track at The Rattler.
“Without a doubt, I really think we are capable of running in the top 10,” said Colangelo. “I don’t want to be greedy, but I would love to have a top-five finish. I guess we will have to wait and see and play it by ear.”
The Rattler 250 weekend kicks off on Friday, March 6th, with practice and qualifying. On Saturday, March 7th, practice continues with qualifying for the 31st Annual Rattler 250. Later that evening the Pro Late Models will take to the track for the 125-lap Pro Rattler. On Sunday, March 8th, the Super Late Models will hit the asphalt for the Rattler 250 at 2pm.
