OWEN SOUND, Ont. — After a solid campaign last season, Zac Sprung is itching to get back at it this season with Sauble Speedway’s season opener just around the corner on June 24.
“I’m excited for the season to start,” he said. “There are a lot of big changes that we have made to make sure we will be a contender this year.”
The goals for the super stock competitor are pretty simple and focused, with sights set on victory.
“Like everyone of these guys I race with, I want to win,” he said. “But I want to also be a consistent contender this year, and be near the front as much as I can.”
Last year brought forth some tough nights, but also a sign of promise for what is to come down the road.
“Last year, we had a lot of mechanical problems,” he said. “But when we had the car working, we were right there. Now just going to pick up where we left off.”
While his eyes are set on having success, he’s also set to make some waves in the community with doing some fundraising this year for Camp Bucko, which stands for “Burn Camp for Kids.” It is a place for children who have been involved in traumatic accidents and fires resulting in serious burn injuries.
The cause hits home for Sprung, who has several volunteer firefighters as part of his pit crew.
“These are the guys you want to have on your team,” he said. “I have seen firsthand how much they do day in and day out to respond not only to the emergencies in our community, but they care about the aftermath. In some cases, children and their families have lost everything and have no means to replace it.
“I learned about the camp from my team. I am a young guy and I have a dangerous hobby; I wear fire retardant shoes gloves and a suit. People don’t wear these features when disaster is knocking at the door. It is hard for anyone who has been a victim of burns from fire or accidents; the struggles for normal life are hard, but a kid still needs to be a kid – this camp provides some much needed fun.”
In partnership with the Intertownship Fire Department, Sprung will be allowing fans to autograph his racecar this season at the track for a minimum donation of five dollars to camp bucko.
“Each season my car comes out looking buffed ,clean and polished,” Sprung said. “Every time it goes on the track, it gets bumped, rubbed, banged and broken. However, each time it heals, sometimes with a lot of help. So each signature on my car will represent a band-aid on the healing process. It won’t look as polished as it once was, but it won’t change the spirit that lives in the skin.
“I want kids who are living through these types of injuries to know that they have an opportunity to smile through everything that has happened to them. My team is always there for me. I know if I need them on or off the track, they will be there. I want to give back to them by helping support their work and a cause they are passionate about. After receiving more information about Camp Bucko, I want to let them know I’m on their team.”
100% of the proceeds raised will go to the camp, with the goal set to raise $5000 this season. Fans interested in making a donation online can do so by going to www.campbucko.ca, making sure to mention Zach Sprung #4 firefriendsfamily campaign to link it to the fundraising efforts at the track.
Like his program, the speedway has gone through a major shift through the off-season with Paul Gresel and Mark Dilley purchasing the track.
“I’m so thankful Paul and Mark have purchased the track and kept it open,” Sprung said. “I have seen what Mark can do from trips to Sunset (Speedway) and I can’t wait to see big changes at the beach. It’s a great track and a great racing family. I know he can put it over the top.
Sprung Motorsports is proud to be supported by Swiss chalet and Harveys of Owen Sound, Grey Bruce Meter Service, Tom Carruthers’ Property Maintenance, Pinkerton’s Carquest Wiarton, Adam’s Professional Painting, Macdonnell Excavating, Idol and Anchor Collingwood, Bear Wheel and Brake, and Tobermory Marine.
Make sure to keep up with Sprung Motorsports all year by liking their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sprungmotorsports4/?ref=br_rs.
Press Release by Ashley McCubbin / AM Marketing – ashleymccubbin17@gmail.com.
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