Leaty Strong at Nazareth

Nazareth, PA - After taking a brief hiatus from racing in 2000, Jan Leaty returned to the 2001 NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour in the Service Electric 100, held May 20th at Nazareth Speedway. The newly formed Schum-Branich Motorsports team was strong all weekend, holding their own against over 50 other race entrants.

After posting practice speeds well within the top 10, Leaty piloted the team modified around the 1 mile tri-oval to a qualifying lap time of 27.393 seconds (131.420 mph). This tied him with 2000 Featherlite Modified Champion Jerry Marquis for the 8th fastest time, and placed him 9th on the starting grid for the feature event.

practice on the backstretch...

Early in the main event, Leaty had worked to the eighth position. Then, after one of several race caution periods, the team was black flagged for "jumping" the restart. After serving the "stop-and-go" penalty, Leaty was at the tail end of the 40 car field, one lap down. By the halfway point, he had worked back onto the lead lap. On an ensuing caution, the team elected to pit for four new tires. With new rubber, Leaty was able to move up through the field to finish 11th. Mike Ewanitsko was the race winner.

"We actually had a pretty good weekend," Leaty commented. "Our finish was 11th, but it really wasn't quite indicative of how well we ran. I think we were a top five car."

Leaty and the rest of the team are now setting their sites on the Empire State Modified Championship race to be held at Oswego (NY) Speedway on Sunday, June 3. 

(LEFT): Nazareth Speedway - Service Electric 100, May 20, 2001: Schum-Branich Motorsports #6 out of turn one...
(RIGHT): an interested spectator...

A little advice from Pops?...

Branich Motorsports
P.O. Box 897
Williamson, NY 14589
Call: 315-589-4444
E-Mail: FKae4@aol.com