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SAVANNAH, Ga. - ArmsUp Motorsports driver's Revere Greist and John Greist scored a second and third place finish at the Roebling Road Raceway to open
the team's 2009 race season. John Greist's first SCCA National podium was the highlight of an up and down week in Southern Georgia for the ArmsUp
group. The teams two other drivers at the event, Rick Balsley and Jeff Pietz, were unable to finish the event as both drivers suffered damage at
different points in the weekend.
ArmsUp Motorsports started off the week with a two-day test in unseasonably cold weather at Roebling Road
Raceway. The test proved extremely valuable in highlighting some technical issues with the cars that would have been troublesome during the race
weekend. The issues did limit some track time but each driver was able to familiarize themselves with the high speed Roebling circuit.
Official
events began Saturday with practice and qualifying on the day's schedule. In the morning practice session Jeff Pietz made contact with the wall.
While it was not a hard hit, the damage proved un-repairable at the track and his weekend was over a bit prematurely. The other drivers soldiered on
posting solid qualifying times with Revere Greist leading the way with a second place starting spot. John Greist would line up behind his son in third
with Balsley a close fourth.
The race proved to be an eventful affair. As the green flag dropped Revere was running nose to tail with the
leader, former F2000 Championship Series Champion, Cole Morgan. Before the halfway point a Formula Atlantic car spilt up the two lead cars. With
Greist working to get by the FA car the leader was able to open a gap on the Madison Wisconsin driver. At the three-quarter mark the ArmsUp trio was
running solidly with Revere second, John Greist third and Balsley fourth.
As the race was winding down there was no change in the order.
Balsley, who was pushing hard to maintain his fourth position, dropped wheel on the exit of the high speed turn-three. When he went to the brakes for
turn-four the tires still had dirt on them and the number four car went off the road and over the dirt embankment that surrounds the Roebling Road
circuit. The car suffered severe damage and Balsley was transported to the hospital to be checked out. The race ended with the family Greist hanging
on to their podium positions with Revere second and John third.
After being transported to the hospital, Balsley was diagnosed with two broken
vertebrae in his lower back. The Florida resident is back at home resting comfortably and doctors expect Rick to make a full recovery after rest and
rehab.
"This was a difficult race week for us, but all of our guys worked through it and I'm really proud of the team," Gregg Borland said
upon returning to the ArmsUp shop from Georgia. "Obviously our first concern was making sure Rick was alright. I've talked to him several times and
he is in good spirits and is looking forward to making a full recovery. I want to congratulate John (Greist); he did a great job to score his first
SCCA National podium. It's good to get the first race of the year under our belt and we are looking forward to the rest of the
season."
ArmsUp Motorsports now has a few weeks off before making their first trek to the Virginia International Raceway. John Greist, Revere
Greist and Jeff Pietz are scheduled to run the SCCA National at the storied circuit the weekend of April 18 and 19.
Formed in 1995, ArmsUp
Motorsports is one of the premier SCCA Formula Continental and Formula Atlantic racing teams. Based in Elkhart Lake, Wis ArmsUp Motorsports is a full
service prep shop for Formula Continentals, Formula Atlantics, and Vintage racing cars. For more information please visit the official ArmsUp website
at www.ArmsUpMotorsports.com.
John Greist scored his first SCCA National Podium at Roebling Road
(Photo Courtesy Mrs. Purple Frog)
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