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2011 USAC National Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year Coleman Gulick tapped by legendary chassis builder and car owner Bob East to pilot a Midget Entry in the 2012 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa Oklahoma.
When Bob East and his Son Bobby were putting together their plans for the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals in January of 2012, they were looking for someone with experience, ability and a proven record of success in open wheel. Although only 18 years of age, Coleman Gulick of Binghamton, New York put together a season of success in 2011 that garnered the attention of many throughout the open wheel ranks. Gulick, now residing permanently in North Vernon, Indiana is coming off a season where he captured 7 feature wins in the 410 Non Wing Sprint Car ranks in Indiana and Illinois. Included in these A Main Feature Wins were prestigious victories in the Dick Gaines Memorial at Lawrenceburg Speedway, the Vince Osman Memorial at Kokomo Speedway and the Inaugural Terminator 2000 at Farm City Speedway in Illinois. Also, Gulick’s efforts in his first year touring with the USAC National Sprint Car series, earned him Rookie of the Year Honors for the Historic Touring Series.
Bob East commented on young Gulick, “The Chili Bowl is one of those events where you've got to have a lot of talent and a lot of luck to win. You can't control the “luck" aspect of the event, but you can the talent! Coleman showed his talent this year on dirt tracks in his sprint car. He is 2011 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year. He's the type of talent we were looking for to drive one of our house cars at the Chili Bowl. When Bobby suggested Coleman as a teammate I agreed with Bobby that Coleman would be a great asset to the Beast Enterprise Team."
Bobby East, Son of the Legendary Chassis Builder and Car Owner, raced throughout the year with Coleman at many local events and on the USAC Tour during the 2011 racing Season. Bobby East shared his comments about teaming with Gulick. “I have a lot of respect for Coleman on and off the track. I think he will add a lot to our team at the Chili Bowl with all of his dirt track experience and he's only 18 year old! He's going to be a good teammate and that is what I was looking for when I suggested Coleman to my Dad. Yes I want to win the Chili Bowl, but more importantly I want to make sure a "BEAST" wins it!! Coleman has the talent and ability to do it”.
Gulick, when approached by Bobby East about this opportunity was quick to realize the tremendous opportunity afforded to him by this top ranked team. “When Bobby and I first spoke about teaming up for the Chili Bowl in 2012, I couldn’t help but think about the rich History of Beast Enterprises and how Bob East is a Legend in all forms of Motorsports. I was immediately excited about the opportunity. I raced with Bobby during the last couple of years and we have always raced each other hard but clean in every event. I believe there is a mutual respect between both of us which should help tremendously as teammates at the Chili Bowl. Plus, Beast Chassis’ are always fast and have won some big shows this year all over the Country. I am proud they approached us about piloting one of their cars in this year’s Chili Bowl and I intend to give everything I have to not only get us into the show on Saturday but make some noise when we get there”.
The Chili Bowl Nationals is an annual event held at the Tulsa Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma every January. This year is the 26th year in a row that this prestigious event has been held. Drivers in all forms of racing converge to compete for the coveted Golden Driller trophy awarded to the Saturday evening feature winner. Since its inception drivers from the NHRA, WoO, USAC, IRL, NASCAR and many other touring series have competed for bragging rights. Past winners include Tony Stewart, Sammy Swindell, Billy Boat, Dave Blaney and Rich Vogler.
For more information on Beast Enterprises, Coleman Gulick and the Chili Bowl, log onto their associated web sites; www.beastcars.com, www.colemangulick.com, and www.chilibowl.com.