The Team 27 Story
The opportunity to start Team 27 came with the introduction of the Lightning Sprint class in 2009. After seeing a Winnipeg Free Press article on the Lightning Sprint involvement in the 2009 Monster Jam, Chris Unrau started shopping for a car and subsequently made a May Long Weekend trip to Massachusets, returning with a 1996 Henchcraft. The car was repainted, new decals were applied, and the learning started. It was a rough start - with no background in any type of competitive racing, everything was learned the hard way. The low point of the 2009 season came June 24th when a broken drive chain destroyed the engine, culminating in a small fire (see video). But every experience was treated as one to learn from, and the team bounced back. A new engine was installed, and more seat time resulted in more consistency, with the team eventually scoring some top 5 finishes in points racing, and even a heat win at Dauphin, MB. Finishing out the inaugural NLSA points race in 8th place was a noteworthy achievement for the fledgling underdog team.
Chris Unrau - Driver, #27 Lightning Sprint
Chris's interest in dirt track racing started back in the mid 90's watching dirt karts race at 5 Flags Speedway in Winkler. Shortly thereafter he attended his first race at Red River Co-op Speedway, and the only thing he could think of while in the stands was how to get out on the track. Chris's first ever racing experience was in the 1996 Henchcraft he purchased from Massachusetts. In 2009 he piloted the chassis to an 8th place overall points finish. Chris thoroughly enjoys the complete racing experience - from marketing to wrenching to racing. His whole family is involved in the racing enterprise and he looks forward to the future when his children can have the opportunity to race alongside him.
Crew
Mike Toews - Mike is an integral part of the crew and is dedicated to the team. His specialty is everything - Mike is a true Jack of All Trades. Mike is well known in the pit area and represents the team well. He has a friendly and outgoing nature and is willing to help any team.
Albert Unrau (aka "Dad") - 1-800-CALLALBERT is the number we dial when we need something done. Dad works hard for the team and can often be found washing the car, helping get loaded, hooking up the hauler, and sometimes even watching the kids. There is nothing outside his call of duty and it doesn't go unnoticed. WIthout his help we would not be able to do this. Thanks, Dad!
The opportunity to start Team 27 came with the introduction of the Lightning Sprint class in 2009. After seeing a Winnipeg Free Press article on the Lightning Sprint involvement in the 2009 Monster Jam, Chris Unrau started shopping for a car and subsequently made a May Long Weekend trip to Massachusets, returning with a 1996 Henchcraft. The car was repainted, new decals were applied, and the learning started. It was a rough start - with no background in any type of competitive racing, everything was learned the hard way. The low point of the 2009 season came June 24th when a broken drive chain destroyed the engine, culminating in a small fire (see video). But every experience was treated as one to learn from, and the team bounced back. A new engine was installed, and more seat time resulted in more consistency, with the team eventually scoring some top 5 finishes in points racing, and even a heat win at Dauphin, MB. Finishing out the inaugural NLSA points race in 8th place was a noteworthy achievement for the fledgling underdog team.
Chris Unrau - Driver, #27 Lightning Sprint
Chris's interest in dirt track racing started back in the mid 90's watching dirt karts race at 5 Flags Speedway in Winkler. Shortly thereafter he attended his first race at Red River Co-op Speedway, and the only thing he could think of while in the stands was how to get out on the track. Chris's first ever racing experience was in the 1996 Henchcraft he purchased from Massachusetts. In 2009 he piloted the chassis to an 8th place overall points finish. Chris thoroughly enjoys the complete racing experience - from marketing to wrenching to racing. His whole family is involved in the racing enterprise and he looks forward to the future when his children can have the opportunity to race alongside him.
Crew
Mike Toews - Mike is an integral part of the crew and is dedicated to the team. His specialty is everything - Mike is a true Jack of All Trades. Mike is well known in the pit area and represents the team well. He has a friendly and outgoing nature and is willing to help any team.
Albert Unrau (aka "Dad") - 1-800-CALLALBERT is the number we dial when we need something done. Dad works hard for the team and can often be found washing the car, helping get loaded, hooking up the hauler, and sometimes even watching the kids. There is nothing outside his call of duty and it doesn't go unnoticed. WIthout his help we would not be able to do this. Thanks, Dad!