By:  Jeff Anstett

            One of the exciting things about auto racing is being able to witness a driver progress from one division to another.  You can usually look at a Modified or Sportsman field and remember when most of the drivers were in entry-level divisions.  One such driver that has decided to make the big step is James Strassburg of Niagara Falls, NY.   James raced for three years at Ransomville in the ever-competitive Street Stock division.  Fans can surely remember the Jeff Gordon look alike Camaro usually running up front.  James picked up feature wins in each of his three years in the Street Stocks.  The team decided that it was time to move up.

            The Strassburg team had the former Don Anderson Troyer ready near the end of 1999.  In an effort to get ready for the year 2000, James picked up some valuable experience at Gasport Speedway while still running for points in the Street Stocks at Ransomville.  This year, the team abandoned the Jeff Gordon look, and debuted at practice with the beautiful purple and white number 32 ready for action.  They opened the season with a fifteenth place finish.  There is no doubt that the learning curve will be steep, but the Strassburg team seems up to the task.

            In order to make a top flight Sportsman go around the track, a team needs a lot of crew help as well as financial help.  The Strassburg team is no different.  The Strassburg’s team relies on the following sponsors to help get them to the track every week:  Jimmy’s Bar, Power City Heating and Cooling, Sensational Tan, Donny and Mary, George’s and Son Auto, and last but certainly not least, Mom and Dad.

            James’ father Junior also is very instrumental in getting the car ready each and every week.  In addition to Junior, the following individuals also provide great  amounts of help in getting the car together every week:  Don Anderson, Rob Roeser, Kirk Tuttle, Louie Laurie, Ronny Vigue, Nicky, and Uncle Ricky.

            James has set his sights on a Rookie of the Year run this year at the Big “R”.  In addition to this, the team also hopes to get over to Merritville and Gasport this year on occasion.  With a great attitude, great team, and great sponsors, don’t be surprised if you see the purple and white number 32 in victory lane by years end.