Stacey Alexander is Happy with a New Ride
Monday, May 22, 2006
by Kathy Bell (As it appeared in the Journal-Express newspaper) - Knoxville Raceway 360 racer, Stacey Alexander, is no stranger to sprint car racing. Hailing from Lacona, IA he pilots the No. 2TX sprinter and is a third generation driver. His grandfather, Orlo raced stock cars, as did his father, Jim. Stacey's brother Jim Jr. raced a sprint car and hobby stock and brother Greg raced a thunder car. Then there's his uncle, Terry Alexander and Terry's son, Mitchell who compete against Stacey on most Saturday nights at Knoxville.
This is Stacey's tenth season in a sprint car and he's celebrating in style. Stacey began the year with the first sprint car ride of his racing career and he's enjoying every minute of it. "Looking back, I really should be farther along in my career. I seem to have had numerous chances to win a feature, I just haven't done it. We've had some stupid luck which I hope changes now that I'm driving for someone else," he said.
"I'm very optimistic this year. I have way more car than I've ever had," he said. "Last year there were nights I didn't even have a motor. Larry Weeks loaned us a motor several times last year so we could race. When you borrow someone else's stuff you have to be careful. This year I'm psyched! I can go out there and really race. I've waited for this opportunity for a long time."
Stacey was referred to his new car owner, Chase Shaw, last season by a mutual friend. Chase, who hails from California, MO, had Stacey race for him last year in Sedalia. He'd seen Stacey race a few times and liked what he saw.
"It sure helped that we'd finally gotten our car going by the time Chase noticed us. We were starting to finish in the top ten. This is the first time I've driven for someone else and it sure is nice. I appreciate what my car owner does for us. I buy the tires but he pretty much takes care of everything else. That's good for me because Sonya (his wife) and I have three young boys at home," Stacey said.
The couple's three boys are, five year old Dylan, Logan who is three and Kaedan who is six months old.
"I'm more relaxed now that I'm driving for someone else," he said. "I still have my own car sitting in the garage as a backup. But, for now, I'm going to enjoy this deal while I can. My goal is to win a 360 feature or two. I also want to finish in the top five, consistently. With this car and team, I think we can do it too."
Car owner, Chase Shaw, allowed Stacey to bring his own pit crew with him which has allowed the team to continue to gel. Crew members include, Jim Alexander, Shawn DeMan, Brandon Smith and Matt Mickelson.
Car sponsors are, Alexander Trucking, Ostrich Racing Engines, Byers Limousine and Cardinal Cleaning. Stacey said he appreciates the support he and his team receive from their fans.
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The #2TX team members are: Shawn De Man, Stacey Alexander, car owner Chase Shaw and Brandon Smith.
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