April 2, 2003; Luxemburg, WI. - Consistency is defined in Webster's dictionary as firm coherence in applying principles or policy. For defending IMCA stock car champion John Heinz consistency means making the feature each and every week and staying out of trouble at Luxemburg Speedway on Friday nights. Like fellow Green Bay modified champion Eddie Muenster, Heinz was the only one in his division who could claim to have qualified for every single feature race. All that without winning a main event. "You've got to be there every night - it's that competitive," said Heinz. "It's no secret that you can go down the list probably 15 or 20 deep in the points and darn near everyone is capable of winning any night." Heinz will open up his title defense when the season opens on Friday night, April 25 at 7 p.m. While Luxemburg doesn't open until late April Heinz has already gotten a jump on the competition. "We've run a couple of shows already this winter. One down in Talladega, Alabama and another in Beatrice, Nebraska," explained Heinz. "I crashed during the feature in Alabama and was leading the consi down in Beatrice when we broke a ball joint. Those are the breaks, I guess." Heinz and his team, well known for their tai-dai team shirts, will have their hands full. 22 out of the top 25 points finishers from a year ago will return. Couple that with a rookie crop more than 12 strong and an occasional visit or two from a top gun from another track and the Green Bay restaurant owner knows he'll have his work cut out for him. "I look for "Hot Rod" Snellenberger, Junior Karcz and Tim Van De Hei to be running up front again this year. So many other guys have already gotten seat time this winter. It's getting more competitive every year." Heinz' stable will be part of a three car team this year. "I've got my two cars from last year. Bucky Coopman will run one of them weekly. Plus I've got a new Jet chassis we're running, too. I've got a large enough pit crew to keep us busy all year." In addition to Luxemburg, Heinz plans on running Seymour Sunday nights, while splitting up an occasional Saturday night between Shawano and Sturgeon Bay. "I'm optimistic, I guess. This early seat time is good for working the bugs out. We'll be traveling to Boone Iowa the weekend of April 12 to get another night of racing in out of the area." Weekly racing with IMCA modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks and four cylinder sport fours begins April 25 at 7 p.m. and runs through Labor day weekend. For more information call 920 863 8446. The track phone is 920 845 2300. The track website is www.luxemburgspeedway.com. Luxemburg Speedway is located 15 minutes east of Green Bay off highway 54 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. |
