GWILT RACING SEASON REVIEW

"It was overall a great year. We came to the track every week just hoping to run good and once we got going we were on a roll," commented Gwilt. "I personally am very happy with my progression through the class, especially this year. I made sure to learn from every mistake, and I feel it was very valuable to spend a few years on dirt."

Gwilt even managed respectable points finishes despite missing a few races. He returned to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in August to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in motorsports and a career in racing.

"If it wasn't for the flip in the last race, I would have said this was a perfect season," Gwilt stated. "But as always, none of this would have been possible without a lot of help. I want to thank my sponsors for their financial support, Bennett's Car Care, J & D Auto, Cicero Country Pizza, Sport-mann Suzuki, and Invader Modlite Parts. I also want to thank my parents for their support, Kevin Doll for his help on setup, Karl Schartner for his help at the track, and everyone else who lended a hand this year."

Gwilt's plans for the 2009 racing season are uncertain, although there are a few options at hand. These may included returning to Central New York in a DIRT Sportsman Modified, or staying in North Carolina racing or renting a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model.

GWILT'S SEASON HAS BITTERSWEET ENDING

"This is absolutley awesome," said Gwilt after victory lane. "This is by far the biggest win of my career, and doing it under these circumstances was even better."

The next night Gwilt Racing headed to CanAm Motorsports Park to look for another win. After another less than average heat due to wet track conditions, Gwilt was set to start 8th in the feature. Right from the green he passed cars high and low, and by lap 10 had worked his way to the 4th position. Heading into turn 1, Gwilt thought he had the line on the #12 of Doug Williams, but the two made contact and both flipped violently. Gwilt ended up barrel rolling 6 times off the banking of the track, leaving the #18 machine bent and mangled.

"I admit, I'm still furious over that move," said Gwilt in the pits. "I had him off of four, theres no way he didn't see me. Doug doesn't think when he's in the car, and we were lucky to get away from that unharmed."

The car had some bends and breaks, but the roll cage seemed to stay intact, which is the most important thing.

Gwilt continued, "I hate to say this in racing, but I would have won that race, and that just makes this feel worse. I had the field covered by two-tenths and I had the leaders in sight. It really is disappointing to go out this way."

This race marks the end of Gwilt's 3-year modlite career. His plans for next season are not known yet, but he is still attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.