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Medel to test his mettle By DON HUNT The Southern Oregon Speedway has a reputation for producing some of the top stock car drivers in the Pacific Northwest, if not the entire West Coast. Mike Medel will test that theory later this month when he travels to Zanesville, Ohio, for what's being dubbed the Street Stock World Championship. Some 200 cars will gather for the two-day event that features a $30,000 purse and a $6,000 prize to the winning driver. "I'm hoping that the weekly grind I go through at our track will have me prepared for this event," says Medel, a 33-year-old plumbing contractor who lives in Central Point. Medel competes in the pro stock division at the Southern Oregon Speedway, where he matches up against point leaders Jim Walker, Tony Walker and Frank Word III. Medel ranks only 14th in the point standings, but has been victimized by several mechanical problems that have forced him from the track. His best finish is fifth, but he also has four top-10 showings to his credit. "I've been competitive when I've been able to stay on the track," says Medel, who won pro stock rookie-of-the-year honors in 1999. "There's a lot to learn out there, and when you're going against the Walker brothers and Frank Word III, it's trial by fire." Medel is realistic enough to know that advancing past a couple of qualifying rounds would be a victory of sorts in Ohio. His goal is to make the A main, where the final 25 drivers will compete on Sept. 30. "That's a lofty goal, but it's what I'm shooting for," he says. To help reach his objective, Medel has installed a new 355 Chevy motor in his 2001 Grand Prix car. He estimates the engine will generate between 500 and 600 horsepower. Medel learned of the big race when he saw an article in Stock Car Racing Magazine. He called the owner to make sure his car was legal. "The only thing I needed to do was add 300 pounds of weight," Medel says. Medel has received some sponsorship help to make the trip, but admits he could use more. Gasoline alone will run him about $1,200, with the total tab reaching about $2,800. Anyone interested in helping Medel may reach him at 665-7104. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.