Mike Steger Wins for the 2^nd time at Chicagoland!

Congratulations Mike! 2^nd win in the last 5 races. It seems ever since you got that initial win at michigan a few weeks ago, you could get use to this. LOL so here you are again. Tell us your thoughts on how the race went?

Wow. Im shocked! I never thought having to start 16^th after my qualifying engine blowing up on my 1^st lap would I ever have a chance. I knew my car setup was fast, but as the race went on and seeing how others were burning up their right front tire on the green flag runs. That’s when I knew I had a shot at it with the Army National Guard Chevy Monte Carlo!

Starting from 16^th position like you said. How difficult of a challenge was that getting through the field?

I told myself be patient, don’t push it, wait for the passing opportunities, keep the car whole, and wait and see what transpires. I do have to thank John Hayes and Bob Dionne though. The 3 of us hooked up together after pitting on 2^nd to last caution, and worked our way to 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th.

After hearing that Mike, I sense you wanted the long green flag runs?

Oh yeah, Definitely! I practiced all week and set the car up for long green flag runs. That’s my favorite kind of racing. Pit strategy and tire management is the key in my opinion during those long green flag runs.

4 Cautions total all race (1 coming at the checkered), did that surprise you?

No, not at all. The SORS East drivers have proven they can run with that little amount of cautions from previous races. The East guys are great, and I commend them all for a great race at a tough but tricky track.

On the Last Caution, prior to the final run to the checkered. You didn’t pit, Why?

I had pitted on the previous caution and took 4 fresh tires, topped off the fuel. We had only gone 5-6 laps and got up to 7^th position. It did shock me though when John Hayes leading did pit, and came out in the back of the pack. I knew he was strong, and that’s when I had the feeling I could win this thing. Worked my way through the field, and finally passed Bob Dionne on lap 23 to take the lead…and that’s it !

5 Top 5 finishes in the last 5 races now! Ever since you got that 1^st win at michigan, you’ve been on a streak. What have you done differently since beginning of the season when you 18^th in points after 1^st 3 races?

I stopped the aggressive driving, and putting myself in risky positions like I did when the season started. It was wake-up call for myself, and I knew I could drive better than the stats showed. I looked at it as if it was a challenge

Next week, the EAST packs up their Car haulers and head to Loudon, New Hampshire. It’s been called “The Giant Martinsville”. Long straightways with big flat turns. Are you looking forward to it?

Loudon has never been a strong point for me, but I look at it as a challenge, a obstacle to overcome. It makes me want to work harder to run well there LOL

You’ve been steady, and quietly climbing the points ladder in the season standings. What goal or goals does Mike Steger, have as a driver for the rest of season?

Stay out of trouble, race clean and caution free, and be competitive the best I can each race. But a top 5 finish for the rest of season each week wouldn’t be bad either LOL

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Mike, and Congratulations again on your win here at Chicagoland! Anything you have you’d like to mention, comment on, or add?

Thank you to all the East Drivers for making it very enjoyable, and fun to run with each week. Especially a big thanks goes out to Billy Stratton for the job he’s doing leading the East. And to my teammates, Troy Surrett, and Mike Brazier for their support

Reporting from Chicagoland Speedway