Chad Humston teams up with Mark Burch Motorsports for 2009

by Mark Burch

After some brief trial runs in 2008, we are pleased to announce that Chad Humston from Giltner, Nebraska will pilot the famed 1M Banana Wagon in 2009. I know that Chad is excited for the opportunity and we are all eager and looking forward to racing with him this year. It's going to be great to have him as part of our team!

In 2009 Mark Burch Motorsports will mark its 16th year of competition in the wonderful arena of Sprint Car Racing. While many things have changed over the last decade and a half, many things have stayed the same. We have been through many highs and lows. There have been thrilling victories with crazed all night celebrations and perilous defeats followed by several hundred miles of silence. The common theme that runs through every season is our enduring commitment to the pursuit of excellence in our sport.

Although I have had many great influences in my life and racing career, non have been as prominent as my two heroes, Doug Wolfgang and Tim Engler. I could not start any kind of release without giving thanks and praise to these two men. They have been completely unselfish and committed to the success of our team, year in and year out. I'm confident 2009 will be no different and I'm looking forward to working with them as we constantly strive to refine our chassis and engine programs.

I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. I'm very blessed to have my wife Mari and kids, Parker - 7 and Sailer - 5, as part of our team.

Mark Burch Motorsports is also fortunate to have the services of Marvin Brees. He's a force to be reckoned with in any situation. He is a loyal friend and the hardest worker I have ever met. His attention to detail in our shop and work ethic on the road are unsurpassed. Without his tireless efforts in preparing our equipment for the upcoming season, our team would be incomplete.

Over the years, we've enlisted the services of some great driving talent. Don Droud Jr., Doug Wolfgang, Bruce Divis, Jake Peters, Billy Alley, Skip Jackson and Terry McCarl. That's quite a list! Each and every one of these competitors has played a significant role in building our team to what it is today. To each of them I am very grateful for their contribution and effort. Thanks guys! We are very happy to add Chad to that list of drivers.

When many teams are folding or scaling back their efforts, through hard work we've put ourselves in a position to be stronger than ever in 2009. We have been fortunate to have great relationships with all of our marketing partners and manufacturers throughout the years. We will continue to represent them in a positive manner and gain them maximum exposure through our efforts.

We are currently working on our schedule for 2009, and plan on starting out in April. Of course it will be adjusted for family and business commitments, but watch for the Banana Wagon at a race track near you.

If you would like to see highlights of Chad from the 2008 season, you can view them here: Video 1 and Video 2

Happy New Year and thank you for your support!
Mark Burch