The Team Returns Home from Trip to Cedar Lake

Franklin, PA;  The team returned home Sunday evening from New Richmond, Wisconsin after competing in the 23rd annual USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway.  Many loyal fans were able to experience the competition from the comforts of their own home through Dirt on Dirt's live pay-per-view coverage.  Those that tuned in witnessed Matt qualify for both the Thursday evening show and the huge, $50,000-to-win Saturday show against one of the strongest field of late models assembled this season.  In their first ever visit to the famous Midwest speedplant , the M3 Autosports team made all of Western PA proud with a gutsy performance.  Unfortunately, the team dropped out early in both events due to minor mechanical troubles.  

"We had a blast," stated Matt during his long, 18+ hour tow home.  "The people out there (Wisconsin) are fantastic.  They are so passionate about their racing and they really made us feel at home.  I wish we could have stayed in the race longer, but with the track being so heavy, we started to overheat and I didn't want to take any chances."

Matt continued to elaborate on the event as a whole.  "The place reminds me of Eldora.  With all of the vendors, spectators, and other events,  it was really an honor to be a part of the whole deal." 

So what did he think of  the track?  "Man, that thing is fast!  Those that know me know that I prefer dry/slick, so to be able to make the race on a heavy track against this competition is a shot in the arm for our program."

It is necessary to recognize the FANS Fund,  the program that granted Matt the opportunity to make the long tow to Wisconsin in the first place.  "The whole FANS Fund deal was really cool," reflected Matt.  "We were able to meet a lot of great people as a result.  We signed autographs, had lunch, gave away some merchandise and just had a great time doing it.  We would like to personally thank Rich Olson and the FANS Fund for the opportunity to attend the USA Nationals.  They are just fantastic people."

The question that Matt heard a lot over the weekend was 'will you be back next year?'  Matt said he will have to wait and see what the 2011 season looks like, but that he would love to get back out there and race.

The team is tentatively scheduled to race at Lernerville Speedway this Friday evening, August 13th.   

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Those of us at M3 Autosports are proud to announce that Matt Lux has been selected as one of the top 8 drivers that fans would most like to see attend the USA Nationals.  The honor is a testament to not only Matt's devoted local fan base, but also to his growing national support.  Matt is extremely honored and grateful to the fans for their support and is anxious to be a representative of our great state of Pennsylvania.  A special thanks also goes out to Rich Olson for all of his work with this event.

Other Notes... Matt and his family will be vacationing in the Outer Banks this week (July 17 - 24) and, therefore, will not be racing....Matt's motor has recently been sent back to Cornett for scheduled maintenance...Depending on when the motor is returned, the team may not be competing with the World of Outlaws for their Pennsylvania/Ohio trip starting on July 27th...Check back for more details.

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Matt Competes at Central PA Speedway for "Yankee Doodle 50"

Clearfield, PA;  Following an impressive win just 1 day prior, the M3 Team headed to Central PA Speedway to compete in the 25 lap preliminary All Star feature on Friday night.  Matt won his heat and started 4th in the feature.  Matt climbed into 2nd place about 5 laps into the race and maintained the runner-up spot for the majority of the caution-laden feature.  On a lap 18 restart, contact with another driver pushed Matt back to the 4th spot.  He was able to pick up one more spot as the leader, Jared Miley, was heavily damaged after contact with another car and was forced to drop from contention.  The 3rd place finish earned the team $1,000.   

On Saturday night, Matt finished 2nd in his heat and started the feature in the 7th position.  He was able to finish the 50 lap Yankee Doodle in 6th place, a prize worth $1,250. 

Overall, the team had a very solid weekend of racing.  The team managed to earn a win,  a 3rd place, and a 6th place finish in a 3 day span over the 4th of July.  The team will be back in action this Saturday to compete in another All Star event at Mercer Raceway Park.   

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2010 

Changes on the Horizon at M3 Autosports

Franklin, Pa; The M3 Autosports Team, based out of Franklin, Pennsylvania, is set to undergo some major changes with its program in the upcoming weeks.  Sadly, Michael Gierlach, crew chief and co-owner, has decided to part ways with the team after 6 years as Matt’s right-hand man.  Gierlach’s decision to leave the team was made for personal reasons as he plans to embark on new career opportunities.  Gierlach’s departure carries with it no animosity as he will still be considered one of the cornerstones of the M3 Autosports Team.  The team would like to wish Michael the best in his endeavors and thank him for all of his time and support over the years.  He truly is one of the hardest working and kindest men in the racing community.   

As a result of the restructuring, the team will look a little different than it has the past several years.  Gone will be the signature S & S toterhome and trailer that has graced many a pit at tracks all over the east coast and Midwest.  The operation is for sale but the team will be using it until other arrangements are finalized.  In the near future, the team will be acquiring a smaller trailer and rig to get the car from track to track. 

In addition, the team will be selling off the last of their Rocket Chassis’.  The remaining black front Rocket Chassis is also for sale as the team has decided to exclusively race MasterSbilt Chassis’.  M3 currently has 2 MasterSbilt Chassis’ along with 2 Cornett Racing Engines. Current sponsorship will remain the same throughout the rest of the 2010 season but could change starting next season. 

A change will also occur with the overall racing schedule.  No decisions have been made regarding the schedule as of yet, but check back to the team’s website for the latest updates.

Finally, M3 Autosports wanted to clarify the rumors that Matt Lux will no longer be racing Super Dirt Late Models.  The competitive fire still burns white hot inside of Matt as he will continue to be a fixture in the Super Dirt Late Model world as a top-level wheelman.  We appreciate all of the support from our tremendous fans and look forward to your continued devotion to the M3 Autosports team.

The M3 Autosports Team would like to thank the following for their continued support:  Maloney Tool and Mold, DICA USA Outrigger Pads, Equipment World Magazine, Hoosier Tire, Wedge Motorsports, McCool’s Signs and Graphics, MasterSbilt Chassis, Integra Race Shocks, Cornett Race Engines, Simpson, Moore’s Auto Body, Sunoco Race Fuels, Wrisco Aluminum, and Weld Racing Wheels.

For the latest information on Matt and the entire team, please visit www.mattlux21.com .

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M3 Team Prepares for Firecracker 100

Franklin, PA;  This week the World of Outlaws Late Model Series invades Lernerville Speedway for the 4th annual Firecracker 100.  Growing in popularity each season,  The Firecracker has adopted a new format for this edition, showcasing the stars for three consecutive nights of full shows. 

The M3 Team, having undergone a very difficult month that included destroying a brand new racecar, will look to get back on course at their home track.  The team was able to get their new MasterSbilt Chassis out last Friday evening for competition at Lernerville Speedway.  Matt rallied from his 10th starting spot to finish in 5th place.  Matt and crew, who are looking to improve upon last year's 13th place run in the Firecracker 100,  hope that they can make the right adjustments to compete against the full time stars of dirt. 

Camp site #16 will be the official headquarters for fans and friends of the M3 Autosports Racing Team*.  Stop in and drink some beer (or soda) and play some Baggo.  A free Baggo clinic will be hosted by Mark Lux starting around 12 PM on Friday.  All are welcome to attend.

*Disclaimer: Cousin Bill will only be in attendance on Thursday evening.  

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Picking up the Pieces: M3 Autosports Team not attending The Dream 

While competing in a recent O’Reilly All Stars feature event at CPS, Matt was involved in a violent crash that left two racecars completely destroyed and the crowd in attendance stunned.  The series of events began on lap 10 when Matt’s right rear caught an oversaturated water spot on the high side of turn 2. 

“I caught the slime on the top of turn 2.  I didn’t even know it was there,” recapped Matt.  “I tried to throttle up then I hit the brakes, but neither worked.”

The car began to slide out of control making contact with an open section of the Jersey barrier retaining wall.  The contact on the right rear, while nearly detaching the fuel cell from the car, whipped the car around 180 degrees, causing the left rear to slam into the wall.  As the paralyzed racecar limped away from the wall and into the line of traffic, oncoming racers scattered to avoid colliding with Matt’s car. 

“I couldn’t see anything because my door was all pushed up, but I just turned my body away from the traffic, hoping that everyone would miss me,” said Lux.

With nowhere to go, Canadian driver Darren Peters, pummeled into the driver’s side of the lifeless #21 MasterSbilt Chassis.  The impact caused Peters’ mount to roll onto its roof and put the finishing touches on Matt’s already severely damaged racecar.  Thankfully, both drivers were able to walk away with only minor injuries, a testimony to the quality of the safety equipment used by the drivers.

“My right knee has been pretty sore for a couple of days, but it is getting better and the swelling is going down,” diagnosed Matt.  “I’m going to be just fine, but I definitely think someone was watching over me…I am fortunate that it wasn’t much worse.”

Following Sunday evening’s destructive crash at Central Pennsylvania Speedway, Matt and the M3 Autosports team find themselves at a bit of midseason crossroads.  The most glaring issue is the replacement of the new MasterSbilt Chassis that the team had grown so fond of to this point in the season. 

“The car is destroyed,” said Matt.  “There is not one straight bar on the car.” 

Due to the wreck and subsequent carnage, the team will have to give up on their dream.  That is, the Dream 100 at Eldora Speedway next weekend. 

“We are heading out to Indiana on Friday to pick up a new MasterSbilt Chassis.  It is going to be a bare frame, so we will have to start building from scratch. We might be able to get it put together in time for Eldora, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking it to Eldora without being able to shake it down first.  We are going to concentrate on The Firecracker for now,” stated Matt, referring to Lernerville’s signature event at the end of June.

“We hate to not go to Eldora, we love that place.  But that is not the place that we want to take a car for its first race.  We will get over there for The World and possibly once before The World.”

Up next for the team will be Tuesday’s O’Reilly All Stars race at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio.  The team will then begin gearing up for The Firecracker on June 24-26.  Matt plans to be back in action at Lernerville Speedway on June 18^th, where the winner of the feature is granted automatic entry into The Firecracker 100.

For schedule changes and updates on the team’s progress, check back to www.mattlux21.com often.   

Photos of the aftermath of crash

        
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Bluegrass Speedway World of Outlaws

Bardstown, KY; Looking to continue the recent hot streak, the M3 Autosports team traveled south to the Bluegrass State to compete against the World of Outlaws in the 'My Old Kentucky Home Shootout'.  This trip marked Matt's first time ever visiting the Bluegrass Speedway.

The night got off to a promising start as Matt was able to record the 17th quick time in a stout field of 40 mudslingers.  Starting 5th in the first heat, Matt was unable to go anywhere, recording a disappointing 8th place heat race finish.  Further analysis showed that they chose the wrong compound of tires, thus putting them in a precarious position for the rest of the evening. 

"I screwed up in the heat race and chose the complete wrong tires," stated Lux after his subpar performance in the heat race.  "We were on a much harder compound than everyone else.  I think we were back in 8th by the flagstand," joked Matt about falling behind from the start. 

Fortunately, Matt put together a good run in the B Main, advancing from his 7th starting spot to finish in the 3rd position.  The impressive run earned him the final transfer spot for the feature.  However, a common problem resurfaced as the car was overheating in the consi. 

Matt took the green flag for the feature in the 21st position.  As the laps ticked away, the #21 Cornett-powered MasterSbilt was passing cars and moving towards the front.  At the midway point of the 50-lapper, Matt had advanced to the 13th position.  Unfortunately, that is as far as he would make it on this night as the tires started to give way, making it difficult for Matt to hit his marks.  Matt decided to retire on lap 39 and was scored with a 23rd place finish.

"After we were overheating in the consi, we just left the same tires on the car.  Mike made a couple of changes, but I was just going to run a few laps in the feature and pull it in," reflected Matt post-race.  "But, we were moving forward and the car wasn't getting hot.  After halfway, my tires were junk and I started dropping positions, so I just pulled it in."

Matt commented on the new MasterSbilt Chassis.  "I felt like we had a top 10 car tonight.  I am very happy with how the car worked."

The team will be back in action next weekend as they travel to either Lernerville Speedway or Bedford Speedway on Friday evening and will head on to Hilltop Speedway to run will the O'Reilly All Stars on Saturday night.

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Late Race Pass Gives Matt Lernerville Victory

Sarver, Pa;  Coming off of his ULMS victory the night before, Matt was able to outduel Gregg Satterlee for the 2nd consecutive evening and capture his first Lernerville victory of the season in dramatic fashion. 

Matt started outside the front row in the A Main and led the first 10 laps before being overtaken by Satterlee as the two battled lapped traffic.  Not letting Satterlee get away, Matt hounded the young star for the next 10 laps in and out of lapped cars.  On lap 21, entering turn 3, Satterlee chose to move down one groove while negotiating a lapped car.  Matt vaulted his MastersBilt Chassis to the high side around Satterlee as they raced to the flagstand.  The two continued their stellar show for the final 3 laps, with Matt claiming the victory.  You can check out the video of the last 4 laps here.  Thanks to Racestud's "jsofko" for the footage.

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The team revealed a bit of a surprise to the racing world Friday night as they unloaded a new MasterSbilt chassis for the first time at Lernerville Speedway.  For 10 years, the team had raced nothing but Rocket Chassis.  However, they decided to try something different this year and add the MasterSbilt (aka "Madison") to a stable that still includes a black front-end Rocket Chassis.  If there was any doubt that Matt could make Madison go, all questions were answered on this night. 

Matt finessed the cushion on the high side lap after lap, vaulting to the front and eventually contending for the lead.  On multiple occasions, Matt took a look at the low line only to return to the high side where he and the car appeared much more comfortable.  At the halfway mark of the race, Matt had moved up to 3rd and was engulfed in what was certain to be an epic showdown with Blair, Boom Briggs, Dave Hess and Jason Covert.  However, just 4 laps later, with his dashboard warning lights lit up like the 4th of July, Matt decided to pull the car to the pits.  It was the wise decision, considering there is plenty of racing left in the season, but nonetheless a difficult pill to swallow.  The team was scored with a disappointing 21st place finish. 

The team will be racing a make-up ULMS show at McKean County Speedway this Thursday.  Their weekend plans remain up in the air.  Check back to mattlux21.com for updates on the upcoming weekend schedule. 

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