CHAD HOMAN-HEADING TO THE FRONT OF THE CLASS

With the amount and caliber of competition on the DIRT circuit, many drivers can only dream of reaching the coveted spot reserved for victory lane at "The Land of Legends", Canandaigua Speedway. And, while many may dream of this feat, even fewer will actually have this accomplishment realized assuring themselves the honor and prestige of adding their name to the list reserved for the legends who's faces have graced that very spot on the frontstretch of the Ontario County Fairgrounds oval receiving their well deserved accolades given them by the fans. Eighteen year old Chad Homan has not only had this occur once or even twice, but four times with his first checkered flag coming on May 22, 1999 while he was only 16 years old.

"I feel very fortunate to have 4 victories to my credit because many drivers try their entire career to earn one single victory," Homan explained.

The 18 year old Clarkson University Computer Science student with a 3.8 Grade Average that has earned him the prestigious honor of Presidential Scholar, is in his 4th year of stock car competition behind the wheel of his #91 Transitions Landscape & Design/Bytronics Inc./Campbell Engines/Charlie Donk Racing Pontiac Grand Prix DIRT Pro Stock aboard a Cannizzaro chassis.

Chad's racing experience started as a result of his uncle, DIRT Modified hot shoe Charlie Donk, being involved in the sport. At the age of 8, Chad gained his first taste of competition behind the wheel of a Microd. From that time on, Chad was hooked and a very competitive force regardless of which division he turned a steering wheel. When it became obvious to Chad's parents (Nancy & Wayne) that he was in to the racing game for the long haul, plans were put into motion to put Chad behind the controls of a full fendered DIRT Pro Stock. In 1998, Chad got that opportunity and watched it pay dividends as he was named Canandaigua Speedway 1998 Pro Stock Rookie of the Year.

As is obvious to all involved in this sport we love, along with the added thrill unleashed by added horsepower to make one a competitive force week after week, there is also the added danger that can also be unharnessed as a result of this same added horsepower. Chad would find this out on 2 separate occasions in '99 as he found himself flipping first at Canandaigua Speedway shortly after his cherished victory and also violently down the backstretch on the fastest track on the DIRT circuit, the Syracuse mile. Both accidents found Chad sore, but relatively unhurt. With all that '99 had to offer, he was awarded the 1999 Canandaigua Speedway Most Improved Pro Stock Driver award. Small consolation for the ride he had just taken at "The Moody Mile", but he vowed that he would return with a vengeance the following season.

In 2000 Homan Racing unveiled Chad's new Cannizzaro chassis and immediately it was evident that he would be a force to reckon with throughout the entire season. He would earn 3 victories in 2000 and would end the season 4th in points after a weekly finishing average of 9th. Unfortunately, there was once again another incident that led to Chad going upside at Canandaigua, but as in the past, Homan racing would pool their resources to have Chad back behind the wheel one week later very thankful that the young Homan was left relatively uninjured.

Entering 2001, Homan had high hopes of claiming the points title as his own, but after a shaky start to the campaign which includes a blown transmission that took him out of competition on that evening and has him sitting 10th in points, the Homan team realize that with the tough competition in the Pro Stock ranks at Canandaigua, it will be tough to climb to the top of the standings. Tough, but not impossible.

"Right now we are looking to get ourselves back into the top 5 in points and then our next step will be to try to gain control at the top. Our plans include our weekly appearances at our hometrack, Canandaigua Speedway, and to follow a few of the selected stops on the ARANY Mr. DIRT Pro Stock Super DIRT Series, which includes stop #1 at Rolling, Wheels this Sunday. We'll also make several appearances at other venues throughout the 2001 campaign so we are excited about the entire season", Homan told me.

Homan summarized, "This season I have to give special thanks first to Charlie & Sue Holvey who came on board with Transitions Landscape & Design in 2001 as a sponsor. I really appreciate their help! Also, I owe special thanks to my parents, Nancy & Wayne Homan. They have been supportive throughout my entire young career. If it weren't for my father, I wouldn't be here this season. He built the entire car without me even around with my studies at school and for that I am so grateful."