2017 has brought about a fresh approach for veteran racer Joe Duvall. No, he’s not laying off social media, switching car brands or engine builders. It’s a new mental approach for him and the team.

“Man last season was tough,” commented Duvall. “I felt like during the USMTS Hunt we were just kind of going through the motions. We’re not going to let that happen again this year.”

Through at least the first two weekends of the season, Duvall plans to have company, with two additional #91 machines on the track. The first driver should come as no surprise: Scott Drake, who serves as Duvall’s crew chief and races periodically. The second pilot will be Tucson’s R.C. Whitwell.

Whitwell had previously been with Gressel Racing, before things ultimately did not work out in the Wild West Shootout back in January. Duvall insists it is not a full-time ride, but is a chance for Whitwell to jump back behind the wheel. And you never know from there.

“We had this complete car in our shop that is a real good piece,” Duvall elaborated. “It’s for sale and race ready. I knew R.C. wasn't with Gressel, so I just called him and asked if he might want to run the first two USMTS weekends with us. It’s going to be a chance for him to run again and showcase himself and I’m glad he will be with us. He's a really talented driver and can get the job done.”

Duvall also has nothing but praise for his Drake.

“He’s a huge part of our team, his car preparation and maintenance is spot on. He keeps me focused, grounded and confident. There are times that’s really hard to do. I appreciate him immensely.”

Duvall wanted to trim his schedule back from 80 or more events this year and jotted down some shows he for sure wanted to hit. When he finished writing on the calendar, he was short of 80, but just barely. With 72 nights planned they will likely be as busy as always.

He plans the entire Summit Racing USMTS Southern and Central Regions, along with selected shows in the Hunt and various other stops across the Midwest.

Known for his bold style, Duvall travelled in a lime green S&S Welding toter the past few years. He had the opportunity for a new rig present itself and he jumped on it. Gone will be the green, but in its place will be an all-black truck and trailer combination, sure to be customized in Duvall fashion somewhere down the road.

“I really wanted to get a new one a year or so ago, but we just made the last payment on it about that time and I really liked having it paid for, so we hung onto it. We were really kind of known for that thing, but it only took me one trip to fall in love with this new truck. I’ll put my mark on it at some point.”

Duvall, who resides in Claremore, Okla., and the entire Club 91 racing team would like to thank the generous and loyal friends and sponsors who make everything so much more fun and easy: Trucks Unlimited, Southern Oklahoma Speedway, American Race Tires, ARMI Contractors, Bergman Tax & Accounting, Driven Racing Oil, Duvall Electric, Mars Racing, MB Customs Race Cars, Real Racing Wheels, RHRSwag.com, S&S Fishing & Rental, VP Racing Fuels - Heartland and Wehrs Machine & Racing Products.

To learn more about Joe Duvall and Club 91, visit his official website at www.JoeDuvall91.com. You can also follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JoeDuvall91 and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/joeduvall91.

The 2017 campaign for the USMTS Casey’s Cup powered by S&S Fishing & Rental will launch in February with Summit Racing Winter Speedweeks—a five-weekend slate of shows in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Opening weekend for the 19th season of the Best of the Best in dirt modified racing takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9-11, at the Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, Texas.

To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, visit www.usmts.com online or call 515-832-7944. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usmts, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usmts and Instagram at www.instagram.com/usmts or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/usmtstv. Keep up to speed with everything USMTS by joining our email list at www.usmts.com/subscribe.

Article Source: www.RacinDirt.com