Brown Salvages 14th Place Finish at Caraway Speedway

RURAL HALL, N.C. (April 24, 2012) – Tim Brown and the T and C Motorsports team hoped to escape the tough luck they’ve had so far this season this past weekend when they returned to Caraway Speedway for the Parking Lot Maintenance Headquarters 150, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. After a long day and several trials, Brown was able to salvage a less-than-desired 14th place finish.

The frustrations began during the practice sessions, Brown and the 02 team worked and worked on the car making adjustments but nothing was helping to make it drive as good as it has been so far this year. He ended up 11th in final practice, and later a very out of the ordinary qualifying lap for Brown left him set to start 9th for the 150 lap event.

The 22-car field lined up for what was getting ready to be a long and caution filled race moments before 7:00pm in hopes to get the entire race in before expected rains moved into the area. As they came around to the green, Brown immediately started fighting for positions and had closed in on 7th before lap 1 was complete. Only two laps later, he fell back to 8th where he remained for the next 13 circuits. By lap 16, he was in 9th and radioed to his crew that the car was just too tight. Up until the halfway break on lap 75, he went back and forth between 8th and 10th and by the break, he was in 8th position. The crew made several adjustments hoping to get the 02 car capable of getting to the front of the field.

However, it wasn’t long before things got worse. After the field returned to the track and was under caution preparing for the restart, Brown came over the radio and told his crew that there was a problem with the alternator. He came to the pits for it to be worked on and returned to the track five laps down on lap 81. Restarting in 20th, Brown had his work cut out for him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get the “lucky dog” before the end of the race but he did the best he could to bring home the best possible finish. After three green-white-checkered’s and several wrecks, Brown was able to avoid being involved in any of the wrecks and salvage a 14th place finish.

The heartbreaking finish resulted in Brown dropping one position in the point standings to 7th. He is now 36 points behind the point leader, George Brunnhoelzl III.

“We had a very challenging day at Caraway on Saturday. With a possible DNF within sight, Tim and the 02 team never gave up--they worked hard and were determined not to have a DNF. We're so proud of Tim and our team. We'll be back at Caraway in July, hoping to bring home our first victory of 2012! We wish Tim and the 83 team best of luck for their run for a 9th Championship at Bowman Gray Stadium!", said Tom and Connie Lythgoe.

Although Brown and the 02 team struggled all day to find the speed they’ve had all year and alternator failure cost them a good finish, they never got discouraged or gave up, and that’s what is most important. While the NWSMT will now have a break until July, Brown and the 83 team are geared up and ready for the season opener this weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium. However, the 02 team plans to return to Caraway Speedway on July 6th prepared to get their first victory.

Tough Luck Won’t Hold Brown Back

RURAL HALL, N.C. (April 18, 2012) – “Third time’s a charm” is what they normally say, but not this time. For the third week in a row, Tim Brown and the T and C Motorsports crew rolled a great (and very fast, might I add) race car off of the hauler only to face a parts issue at the end of the night resulting in an 11th place finish on Saturday night at the South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va.

Brown decided to try a few things out on the Hayes Jewelers modified in practice on Saturday afternoon, assuring it was the best it could be in order to be up front at the end of 150 laps. He ended up 4th in final practice but was very happy with the car and knew he was capable of taking a win that evening. For yet another week, he clinched a front row starting position. After touring the .4 mile oval in 14.495 seconds, Brown was set to start second.

Brown and the No. 88 of L.W. Miller lined up side by side with the rest of the 27-car field behind them to come around to the green flag moments before 8:00pm. As the field made the first circuit of the evening, Brown closed into third. Over the following 45 laps, and throughout several cautions during those laps, Brown maintained third. On lap 45 Brown made his way back to second where he remained until the halfway break on lap 80. Extremely happy with the car, he radioed to his crew that the car was great and he didn’t want to make any major adjustments to it for the second half.

As they rolled back out on the track 10 minutes later, Brown was ready to attempt to take the lead and try to get his first victory of the year. He battled for the lead with the No. 09 of Brunnhoelzl for a couple of laps before closing in on second. Suddenly, on lap 105, something happened to the car causing it to become more and more ill-handling with each passing lap and unfortunately he began to lose positions over the closing 50 laps of the race. After doing everything he could to bring home the best finish possible, he crossed the checkered in 11th position. Brown immediately started looking over the car after pulling into the pits and discovered that the swaybar linkage had broken from contact with another car while battling for positions causing the less-than-desired finish.

"Tim did a great job Saturday night. Again, we had a fast car, but sometimes you have no control over parts breaking. We are very proud of Tim and the team for not giving up and digging for every position. We look forward to going back to Caraway this weekend, and hope to bring home a win before the season break!", said Tom and Connie Lythgoe.

Although Brown didn’t get the finish he was hoping for, he was still able to maintain 6th in the point standings, 16 points behind the leader, George Brunnhoelzl III.

Brown and the T and C Motorsports have had a “wicked fast” (as Tim likes to call it) car every race so far this season, but unfortunately uncontrollable circumstances have sidelined them every week. However, they know that they are very capable of bringing home many wins this season and hope that the first victory will come for them this Saturday, April 21st, in the Parking Lot Maintenance Headquarters 150 at Caraway Speedway!

Megan Flynt
Brown Motorsports
T and C Motorsports
Public Relations
Meganflynt@rocketmail.com
www.timbrown83.com
www.tandcmotorsports.com

BROWN PERSEVERES TO BRING HOME A HARD-EARNED FOURTH PLACE FINISH

RURAL HALL, N.C. (April 10, 2012) – Tim Brown and the No. 02 T and C Motorsports team felt an array of emotions Saturday night, somewhat filled with disappointment while also feeling extremely proud and accomplished. After starting on the pole and running in the top three for the majority of the race, a mishap in the closing laps left Brown with his work cut out for him. However, with his talent and determination he was able to overcome the issues to finish fourth at Caraway Speedway in the Farm Bureau 150.

The day couldn’t have started out any better than it did. During first and final practices the 02 team made very few adjustments and by the end of final practice Brown was fastest on the charts. Later that evening he secured a pole starting position after qualifying with a time of 15.664 seconds, which also earned him the Track Record for fastest lap (which was 15.75 seconds prior to Brown’s lap on Saturday).

The modifieds lined up moments after 8:00pm, Brown was anxious and ready to go. As the field of 22 cars came around to the green flag, Brown immediately clinched the lead. On lap 3, the No. 40 of Frank Fleming came by him for the lead. With a long race ahead of him, Brown knew patience would be key. He was back and forth between second and third positions over the following first half of the race. Only a few laps before the 10 minute halfway break on lap 78, he noticed the left front tired was flat, but luckily he was able to hang on to second until they came into the pits for adjustments.

After changing the left front tire and a few minor adjustments, Brown and crew were ready to return to green flag racing and chase down that first victory of the season. As the field restarted once again and the laps ticked by, Brown maintained second position with no problems. Looking forward to battling for the win as the laps began closing down, problems arose. When a caution came out on lap 121 due to other cars being collected in a wreck, Brown radioed to his crew that the right front tire was flat. Although extremely disappointed because they had the potential of capturing a win, the T and C Motorsports team worked quickly to change the tire and get him back out on the track without losing any laps. Brown was scored in 18th as the field came around to restart on lap 131. What happened next was almost indescribable ..
With only 19 laps remaining in the race, Brown immediately began chasing positions back down. Time wasn’t on Brown’s side at this point but fans in the stands were able to witness true talent and determination as he drove the No. 02 Hayes Jewelers modified by 14 cars over the closing laps. As the field took the white flag, Brown wasn’t giving up and fell only a little short of third, crossing the checkered in fourth on lap 150.

"Sometimes you don't have to bring home the trophy to feel like you've had a victory. What Tim and the 02 team accomplished on Saturday felt like a victory. Breaking the Caraway Speedway Track Record during qualifying was awesome...and during the race to come back after a second flat tire was truly an amazing effort. As our spotter cheered on Tim, the 02 team was cheering him on lap by lap--never giving up!" said the Lythgoe's.

The fourth place finish helped him to gain 7 positions in the points, moving him up to sixth. He now sits only 11 points behind the point leader, George Brunnhoelzl III.

This Saturday the NWSMT series heads to South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va. where Brown has the best average finish among all of his competitors in the three events that South Boston has held for the series. Brown and the No. 02 team know they have the car capable of winning and look forward to making another attempt at it in the South Boston 150!

BROWN BREAKS QUALIFYING RECORD

By: Kevin W. Green of NASCAR.com

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Tim Brown set a track record in winning the Coors Light Pole Award in NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour qualifying at Caraway Speedway on Saturday.

Brown, who turned a lap of 15.664 seconds (104.571 mph) to win his 10th career pole, was one of two drivers to eclipse the record of 15.752 seconds (103.987 mph) that George Brunnhoelzl III set in 2009.

Frank Fleming was also under the record, with a lap of 15.697 seconds (104.351 mph). He was followed by Brian Loftin, LW Miller and Daniel Hemric. Completing the top 10 were Burt Myers, Brunnhoelzl, Thomas Stinson, Jason Myers and Andy Seuss.

Brown of Cana, Va., had also paced practice earlier in the day with his No. 02 Hayes Jewelers/T&C Motorsports Chevrolet. He will lead the 22-car field to the green flag for Saturday night’s Farm Bureau Insurance 150, which is slated to start at 8 p.m. ET.

This marks the second event of the season for the tour and its second week in a row to compete on the .455-mile Caraway banked oval.

BROWN FINISHES 13TH IN SEASON OPENER

Sophia, NC –  The 2012 season opener for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds saw the #02 car of Tim Brown come home with a 13th place finish. Details coming soon.

Next race is the State Farm 150 on Saturday April 7th at Caraway Speedway.

2012 SEASON OPENER RAINED OUT, RESCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEKEND

Sophia, NC –  This weekend was to be the 47th Season Opener At Caraway Speedway.  Rain moved in last night and is expected to remain until mid-morning on Sunday.  Promoter Darren Hackett had a tough decision to make.  “After reviewing the pending forecast for today and tomorrow, Renee and I decided to postpone the event until next Saturday.  With gas at nearly $4 a gallon and diesel at nearly $5 a gallon we decided not to impose greater cost upon our fans, drivers and employees.  We felt that asking our competitors to come and sit in the rain all day on Saturday and return again on Sunday to wait out the rain was just not an economical option for anyone.  The Southern Modified Tour competitors haven’t had any practice and asking them to race with no practice is just not an option.  The tour isn’t allowed to test seven days prior to an event and most weren’t prepared until this weekend.  We are excited about our upcoming season and hope our fans and driver’s will respect our decision and support us next Saturday Night.”  Stated Hackett.

The Spring Classic Season Opener will be moved to Saturday March 31st.  There is a full field (26)  of Southern Modified Tour cars are already on slate for the 150 Lap Event.  The Late Model Stocks will compete for Twin 50 Lap events. Also on slate will be the Lowder Construction Sportsman, Bib’s Downtown Mini Stocks, Legends, Street Stocks, Mini Trucks, Auto & Metal Recycler U-Cars & Hornets.

There will be a practice session on Thursday from 5pm until dark in preparation for the season opener.  The grandstands will open at 5pm with an on track autograph session at 6pm and the 47th Season Opener will get underway at 7pm.

BROWN, T AND C MOTORSPORTS CREW'S YEAR-LONG HARD WORK PAYS OFF WITH A HUGE VICTORY

RURAL HALL, N.C. (October 16, 2011) – Tim Brown, driver of the No. 02 Hayes Jewelers and Wall 2 Wall Manufactured Housing Services modified, and the No. 02 crew can now put their second win down in the record books together, which will be one to always be remembered. Every win is extremely special, but the excitement and overwhelming reward that comes from winning at a track as well-known as Charlotte Motor Speedway is a feeling that is nearly incomparable. That feeling is exactly what Brown and the T and C Motorsports crew were able to experience after claiming the win in the UNOH Southern Slam 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this past Thursday, October 13th.

The 02 car was one that was going to be difficult for anyone to beat Thursday which was displayed immediately after coming right off the truck. The Rural Hall, N.C. native was third fastest in first practice, and clinched the spot at the top of the board in final practice. Later that afternoon, he landed a second place starting position for the UNOH Southern Slam 150 after touring the quarter-mile in 14.887 seconds.

The day thus far had been great, the 02 crew had the car exactly how it needed to be and Brown knew a win was nowhere near out of the question. In fact, not winning was what was out of the question. Great weather and many anxious fans greeted the 18-car field moments before 9:00pm. As the green flag was waved, Brown immediately began battling for position. After a battle for second with the No. 79 for several laps, Brown finally closed in on third but didn’t plan to be there for long. The first caution of the night came out on lap 30, and as the field came back to green on lap 35 Brown quickly clinched second and he and the leader began to pull away from the field over the next 10 laps. By lap 70, Brown and the leader had their hands full fighting lapped traffic but that didn’t slow either of them down nor did it put any distance between Brown and the leader.

With just 50 laps left to go, they had finally made it through the lapped traffic and Brown was tight on the No. 09’s bumper with each and every passing lap. As another caution came out on lap 110 Brown knew this was his chance to clinch the lead. Starting on the outside at this track isn’t always the best place to be, but Brown had the car capable of staying with the No. 09 car until being able to pass him for first. The field was placed under red flag for several minutes as track clean up took place. Finally, on lap 124 they came around to the green flag, which was possibly the most intense moment of the night for Brown and crew. The green flag flew and in just moments Brown took over the lead and pulled away from the entire field. On Lap 138, one last caution came out, which wasn’t what the 02 crew wanted to see. However, with 8 laps to go the field was under green once more and Brown showed no hesitation on keeping the lead and maintaining it until the checkered flag flew on lap 150.

"WOW! What a race we were a part of Thursday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I am so excited to have won the UNOH Southern Slam 150. My crew and car owners, Tom and Connie Lythgoe, gave me an awesome race car. We have great cars week in and week out but Charlotte was an exceptional car. We were very fast right off the truck and the crew worked great together making minor adjustments throughout practice and we were very fast. This is definitely one of my favorite victories. We won in Charlotte in front of all the Sprint Cup owners, drivers and teams. This is big for our team and sponsors. Hayes Jewelers, Wall 2 Wall and Rahmoc Racing Engines have supported us through a somewhat tough 2011 season and I am proud to have been able to give all of those fine folks a well-deserved win. Thanks to all my team, fans, and Tom and Connie for the continued support they give me. I honestly think we are on the perfect path to bigger and better things for the remainder of this season and beyond. Thank you to all my sponsors who supply our race team with your race winning proven parts. Without each and every one of your support none of this would be possible. Now let’s go win Caraway!", stated very enthusiastic Tim Brown.

"We are so proud of Tim and the entire 02 team. Tim drove a smart race and used a lot of patience. Our team has really come together, and we're on the right track. Being in Charlotte Motor Speedway's Victory Lane was an amazing experience!", said Tom and Connie Lythgoe.

With only one race remaining in the 2011 NWSMT season, Brown sits in fifth position in the points standings. He is only one point behind the No. 25 of John Smith in fourth and 32 points behind the No. 4 of Jason Myers in third. After a season of many ups and downs, this win couldn’t have been any more special. This team has worked extremely hard all year long on this car and have continued to give 110% regardless of the results from each race. As we wrap up the season at Caraway Speedway this Saturday, October 22nd, we hope for nothing less than one more win for this year, but we know that even if we don’t leave there with the trophy we have given it our all all year long and that’s the best we can do!

BROWN REBOUNDS TO FINISH 7TH IN SEASON FINALE AT CARAWAY SPEEDWAY

RURAL HALL, N.C. (October 24, 2011) - After an intense race and various setbacks, Tim Brown persevered and drove the No. 02 Hayes Jewelers and Wall 2 Wall Manufactured Housing Services modified to a 7th place finish in the season finale at Caraway Speedway on Saturday evening.

The 7th place finish aided Brown in clinching fourth in the point standings for the 2011 season.

The 02 team stayed busy making adjustments to the car throughout both practices Saturday afternoon. Brown ended up third fastest in final practice and was happy with the car. Later that evening, he landed a fourth place starting position after touring the .455 mile banked oval in 16.015 seconds.

The fans were on their feet to greet the starting line up shortly before 7:00 p.m. As the 15-car field rolled around to the green flag for the start of the 150 lap race Brown moved right into third position. He radioed to his crew over the opening series of circuits that the car was a little too loose but that didn’t slow him down. He maintained third and kept up with the leaders until the first caution came out on lap 60. When the field went back to green 7 laps later, Brown was battling for second before getting spun by another competitor.

The caution came out once again and Brown and crew made the decision to pit in order to make some adjustments to the car since he would be restarting in the back. After pitting twice under caution, Brown returned to the track, unfortunately as the green was waved again, which put him over halfway back from the field. However, Brown quickly made up ground. As the caution came out for the final time on lap 103, Brown pitted again as the car was way too loose from previous adjustments. Brown was in 9th for the restart on lap 111 and immediately began picking his way through the field. Just one lap later he was up to 7th. At this point, Brown was doing everything he could to fight the ill handling car and maintain 7th. Although he had his hands full as he got closer and closer to the checkered flag, he was able to wheel it to a 7th place finish.

"An unfortunate incident took us out of a shot for a good finish Saturday night, but we are very happy with our season finish of 4th in the points standing. Tim and the 02 team has really worked hard this year, and we look forward to another great season together in 2012", said Tom and Connie Lythgoe.

Another season is in the books and although we didn’t get as many wins or the championship as we had hoped for, we are still very happy with how the season went, and especially with fourth in the point standings. We would like to send a special thank you out to all of our sponsors, fans, and especially the most dedicated and hardworking crew in modified racing for their continued support and an overall great season together. We have great momentum to build off of from this season to prepare for 2012 and we look forward to many great things!

BROWN SWEEPS UP 3RD PLACE FINISH,
GAINS IN POINT STANDINGS

RURAL HALL, N.C. (October 4, 2011) - Tim Brown, driver of the No. 02 Hayes Jewelers and Wall 2 Wall Manufactured Housing Services modified, coasted to a third place finish in the Caraway 150 at Caraway Speedway this past Saturday, October 1st.

Brown gained two positions in the point standings and now sits in 5th, only 44 markers behind the No. 25 of John Smith in fourth position.

The T and C Motorsports crew started the afternoon off by posting fourth fastest in final practice with a time of 16.116 seconds. Later, he clinched a fourth place starting position after touring the .455 mile paved oval in 16.012 seconds.

The night sky and very cold temperatures greeted the starting line up just moments before 8:00pm. As the green flag was waved, Brown immediately began battling for positions and closed in on third by the second lap. The first of only two cautions occurred on lap 7, Brown remained in third but radioed to his crew that the car was too tight. As the field went back to green on lap 11, Brown maintained third for two more laps before falling back to fourth. However, with a lot of racing left to go, Brown wasn’t too concerned just yet.

After another restart following a caution on lap 28, Brown lost one more position. Over the next 60 circuits, Brown rode in fifth position, but began closing in on the No. 23 and passed him for fourth on lap 91. The Rahmoc Power was on display as he kept gaining momentum and was passing the No. 1 for third by lap 103. Although there was a good distance between Brown and the two competitors ahead of him he continued to gain speed and make up ground, but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough time. Over the closing laps Brown remained in third until crossing the checkered on lap 150.

“We had a real good car Saturday, probably the best we’ve ever had it at Caraway. We were chasing the lead cars down there at the end but just didn’t have enough time to get to them. I believe a caution may have ended up playing out well for us there towards the end, but we are extremely happy with the third place finish and moving up to fifth in points. We’re going to do some more work on the car over the next week and a half and try to bring home a win from Charlotte. Thank you to Tom and Connie, the 02 crew, sponsors, and fans for your continued support and for always believing in me.” stated Brown.

"We're so proud of our Team. We're really happy with our 3rd Place finish on Saturday--it was a great points night for us. We look forward to returning to Charlotte next week," said the Lythgoe's.

Although there are only two races remaining in the 2011 season, the crew continues to work their hardest on getting this car prepared for both events. After last year’s second place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway, they have high hopes and a positive outlook on the event scheduled there for next Thursday, October 13th, at 9:00pm. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!

BROWN FINISHES 6TH AT TRI-COUNTY MOTOR SPEEDWAY

RURAL HALL, N.C. (September 26, 2011) – Tim Brown, driver of the No. 02 Hayes Jewelers and Wall to Wall Manufactured Housing Services modified, brought home a 6th place finish from the Tri-County 150 at Tri-County Motor Speedway this past Saturday.

Brown continues to close in on the 6th place position in points as he now sits only 13 markers behind the No. 40 of Frank Fleming.

As Brown rolled out onto the track for practice Saturday afternoon, he immediately began calling out changes that needed to be made over the radio and the 02 crew worked extremely hard making some major adjustments during first and second practice. By the end of final practice, Brown was very happy with the car and optimistic about the race. Later that evening, he landed a 6th place starting position after posting a time of 15.476 seconds.

The 18-car field lined up moments before 8:00pm beneath cloudy skies and cool temperatures. Brown immediately began climbing up through the field and had made his way to second position by lap 6. However, with a lot of racing ahead he knew patience was going to be a necessity in this event. By lap 15, Brown had secured fourth where he remained until lap 61. Ensuring that he didn’t use his tires up before the closing laps of the race, Brown fell back a few more spots to eighth by lap 70.

Suddenly, a light drizzle moved into the area and Brown began chasing positions back down in case of a rain shortened race. Only 9 circuits later, on lap 79, he had made it up to 6th. Unfortunately, by lap 105, Brown radioed to his crew that the car had become way too loose and over the closing series of laps he fought the ill handling car, doing his best to maintain 6th. The second and final caution of the event on lap 145 resulted in a green, white, checkered finish. Hoping to gain some positions on the restart, the car just wouldn’t allow it. Brown “drove the wheels off” to cross the checkered in 6th position on lap 152.

"We're so proud of the team for working so hard at the shop and at the track. We're looking forward to going back to Caraway this weekend," said Tom and Connie.

Although the night didn’t end with the win that Brown and the team were hoping for, he exemplified great skill in being able to wheel the ill-handling car to a 6th place finish. Brown, car owners, Tom and Connie Lythgoe, and the No. 02 team work very hard each and every week on the car and won’t let a 6th place finish bring them down. Moving forward, they continue to stay focused on trying to get a victory before the season comes to an end. Next up: the Caraway 150 this Saturday, October 1st, at Caraway Speedway!

Voting has begun for the Most Popular Driver of the Year award in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite driver from the series once per day until voting ends on Nov. 20.

This year's most popular driver for the Whelen Southern Modified Tour will be announced at the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala on Dec. 10 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center's Crown Ballroom in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!