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When you hear about a driver at any given track having multiple wins early in the season most of us usually think of  a veteran driver that has been in a race car for ten or twenty years. Not so when it comes to the 20w of AJ Ward. Who this Sunday afternoon, will be walking in his graduation commencement at Ionia High School.

AJ who is just eighteen years young has been racing since midway through the 2004 season, which he built with the help of his dad. In his rookie season, despite not making his first start until June worked his way to a 8th place finish in points at I-96 Speedway and also took home top honors for the rookies. AJ’s success isn’t limited to just racing though. AJ is a nationally ranked Varsity bowler for his Ionia High School bowling team, with a modest “220 something” average.

When AJ isn’t hitting the books, the pins or the track Ward works for Premier Custom Builders of Ionia. AJ’s plans after high school are to continue working for a year or two, then attend MCC for his associate degree in automotive.

I asked AJ about his favorite memory in his racing career and he said “passing Ron Weirs No. 8w last week inches before the finish line last week in the feature”.  That win last week was his 7th in his career, Ward also has over 20 heat wins to his credit. Several of which came on his favorite track Crystal Motor Speedway just 20 minutes up the road from Ionia.  To date CMS is also the place AJ scored his highest points finish of the season, which was just last season when he fell two points short of winning the track championship in the street stock division.

I asked AJ about his goals beyond the 2009 season, he said “I’d really like to race with the Modifieds, or maybe in a Late Model if someone offered me a ride” . If AJ is as successful in a mod or late model he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

Other tracks AJ has raced at include Crystal, Mid Michigan Raceway Park and Orleans Raceway. AJ also plans to visit a few more new tracks this season including Mt. Pleasant Speedway, and Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, MI. As for special shows AJ will be attending the Corn Harvest, a weekend long event at the afore mentioned Mid Michigan Raceway Park just north of Ionia in Palo, MI.

AJ would like to thank all his supporters and sponsors which include Ionia Bowl 300, Fowler Lanes, Premier Custom Builders,  MJ Motors, Main Street Bar, Ionia Racers Swap Meet, G2 Erectors, the Fezzey Family, Class A Auto Parts of Ionia, The Cellar and Playing For Keeps Tattoo.

AJ is definitely one to keep an eye on at I-96 Speedway and anywhere else he travels this season. AJ and this week’s winner Aaron wolf are in a close points battle that should keep the fans on the edge of their seats for the rest of the season at I-96 Speedway.

NOTES FOR JUNE 6TH 2009

This Saturday night June 6, I-96 speedway will host the second of four visits for the Sprints on Dirt.

Joining the high powered sprint cars on the big ½ mile will be the UMP modifieds. Also racing on the 3/8 mile track will feature the street stocks, four cylinder road beaters and the mini sprints.

A special night is in store for the kids, as WOOD TV’s MIranda will be hosting her show from the track. All kids will get in free for this great evening of fun.

Just a reminder for those who attended the World of Outlaw show, bring your ticket stub for a $2.00 discount at the front gate.

The I-96 speedway track owners and officials would like to thank all who donated last week when the Outlaw drivers went though the stands for the family of Kevin Buskirk. All most $3,000 was collected!