SPRINTS: Conley Done on Dirt?

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SPRINTS: Conley Done on Dirt?

One of sprint car racing’s budding talents is graduating from dirt to pavement to silence the persistent ticking of his male biological clock.

Jim Chiappelli | Posted November 26, 2010 Charlotte, NC

Although Cale Conley (3c) got his sprint car upside down at Charlotte, he plans to take his driving career to a new direction in 2011. (Justin Leedy/SPEED)

One of sprint car racing’s budding talents is graduating from dirt to pavement to silence the persistent ticking of his male biological clock.

Cale Conley, 18, who has run a “true outlaw” schedule the past several seasons on a mixture of track surfaces, will forgo the dusty bullrings next season to concentrate on advancing his career toward his ultimate goal of NASCAR.

“In 2011 I think we’re going to step away from the 3c sprint car and try to run some asphalt stuff,” stated the Vienna, West Virginia driver.

While Conley admits that might mean getting his elbows up in a midget for awhile, he is determined to transition into a vehicle with fenders.

“I’m going to try to get into a stock car somehow,” he stated. “I’m 18 now, so if I’m going to make it to NASCAR or IndyCar anytime I have to make the move as soon as I can. I talked to my dad about it and he’s behind me. I’m very fortunate to have the family that’s behind me, and we’re going to try to make that next step forward.”

His father, Yale, is a former late model driver who competed with the American Speed Association (ASA).

Cale Conley says he is thankful for the time he spent on the clay competing against the World of Outlaws, All Star Circuit of Champions and USAC, believing the experience will pay dividends down the road.

“You have all the throttle control you need to be able to control a car that’s not really controllable,” he said about driving sprint cars on dirt. “When you go to asphalt you feel like you have an advantage because it’s almost like racing a dirt car that has a lot of grip.”

Conley filled-in other dates on his racing calendar competing in USAC midget races on pavement, but says his 2010 itinerary was reduced because of situations which required his family to sell some equipment.

“When you take your schedule and cut it in half because you just can’t do all the races, you kind of realize how lucky you are, and it makes you real thankful for the races that you do get to run,” he said in a reflective tone.

Although he has yet to win an A-Main with a national 410 division, Conley is recognized as a solid qualifier, and has posted victories at regional weekly shows.

He has also competed in the prestigious Knoxville Nationals and the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, but admits the uncertainty of shopping for new rides is nerve-wracking.

“Sprint cars are awesome, but my dream is [making it to] NASCAR someday,” said Conley. “It’s not about making the money. For me, it’s about racing the best people there are and knowing that I made it.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Chiappelli

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