CJ Greaves Takes Podium at Rounds 1 and 2 of TORC Sportsman Series

Arriving at Antigo, WI was a little bit weird for Johnny Greaves. Going to an offroad race… but not racing.

The TORC Sportsman Series kicked off its season at the memorable Langlade County Fairgrounds. This track is old stomping ground for Johnny, as Antigo was one of the Midwest's original short-course tracks that he has had the pleasure of racing many times. This weekend however, was all about CJ Greaves and his Traxxas Pro Super Buggy.

Friday brought lots of rain putting the track under water, and resulting in practice being cancelled on Saturday morning. This gave much uncertainty for the game plan for CJ. Without getting a chance to test the track, and get an idea of where he compared on speed to the rest of the racers, left them wondering how aggressive he should be right away. After the draw for position, CJ lined up in 6th place. The decision was made to have a strong start, and try to maintain position while figuring out the track.

As the race progressed CJ was making up a lot of time on the leaders, and realized he indeed WAS a competitor. With a great charge to the front and smooth coaching by Johnny, CJ made his way behind the leader, but as the white flag came out, CJ ran out of time, and had to settle for second. However, his driving skills were not left unnoticed as he received the first HARD CHARGER award of the year and $150.00 in hard cash!

More rain came Saturday night leaving a repeat of the day before, with practice being cancelled. The invert put CJ starting in 10th place, but he was not discouraged. After the previous days battle, he knew he had something for veteran Scott Schwabe and couldn't wait to get a second chance. By the mandatory caution CJ had worked his way up to 2nd place behind Scott.

After the restart, CJ followed closely waiting for an opportunity to make the pass, realizing of course that Scott was not going to make it easy. With dad on the microphone helping, CJ decided to make his move driving hard around the outside of the berm, and working his way to the inside for the next corner to take the lead. At this time, the rain started to come down heavy and the track became very slick. CJ, with the help of his BFGoodrich Tires was still able to maintain his pace, and made a comfortable lead for himself. Taking the checker and his first win in short course racing, he captured the title "youngest driver to win a race in the Super Buggy division!"

All in all, the weekend was an awesome opportunity for CJ to get ready and build the confidence needed to race against these drivers in the upcoming weekend at the prestigious World Crandon Brush Runs, June 19-20th. Thanks again to all his sponsors for putting him out on the track, and to his team for working all day Friday to get his Super Buggy ready for its inaugural race.