Goodspeed's Crystal Ball

Turn 5
Volume 2
Lap 1

"Salina Highbanks 2007 Season Preview"
by Ed Goodspeed
Salina Evening Post

Ed Goodspeed’s drivers to watch out for in 2007:

#51 Cole Trickle- I know Cole, he always goes high. The former open wheeler made the transition to stock cars last year, but his progress slowed after a serious accident. It will be interesting to see how Trickle copes with the lasting effects of his injuries, especially since he has a hot temper.

#19 Russ Wheeler- He is arrogant, and he drives dirty. His dashing looks make him irresistible to the ladies. Look for the Hardee’s machine to make several appearances in victory lane, and listen for Wheeler to run his mouth about how great he is.

#9 Racer X- Race fans know little about this mysterious soldier of fortune. It seems he disappears just as quickly as he appears. The brief moments of brilliance this mysterious driver has displayed show that Racer X has plenty of upside.

#49 Brewster Baker- This grizzled veteran takes gambles sometimes, but he knows when to hold ‘em, and when to fold ‘em. Rumor has it he employs children on his pit crew. For Baker, this season is a race on the track and a race against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services before they throw the red flag on his racing season.

#6 Steve Grayson- Rumor has it his manager has put the team in a financial crunch, so Grayson must put his white Dodge Charger in the winner’s circle in order to pay off debt to the IRS. If he fails, it’s off to the Heartbreak Hotel (down at the end of Lonely Street). Despite the predicament, Grayson always has a song in his heart. Maybe it’s because he’s also putting it to Nancy Sinatra. Thank you, thank you very much.

#7 Stroker Ace- This guy is up for a race any time. Rain, sleet, snow, bureaucrats, and or even chicken suits can find a way to slow Stroker, right? Not so fast. Word has it Stroker has a couple of distractions in the pits. The first being his sponsor, Chicken Pit Owner Clyde Torkle, and the second being a hot blonde named Pembrook Feeney. No matter what happens this season for Ace, hilarity will surely ensue.