Shelton is head of the class!

A student is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “one who studies: an attentive and systematic observer.” It is well known that to be a student, one must study, research and develop an approach to solve a problem or a question. In the time that Stan Shelton has been a competitor in the E-3 Sparkplug Modified Tractor class, no other title more adequately describes Stan than a student. Making the change from a seasoned and respected puller in the Rockstar Energy Drink two wheel drive class to a rookie in the E-3 Sparkplug class was not something Stan took lightly. Stan became a sponge absorbing everything he could from anyone who was willing to share and gradually he applied the knowledge he gained into his operation.

In 2009, Stan stormed onto the scene with his Shel-Shocked modified tractor. The chassis was purchased from Minnesota and featured three hemi’s tuned right in the shop in North Carolina. The year 2010 saw the same chassis, but the tractor boasted a fourth hemi powerplant to support the tractor in its pursuit of a championship. However, the combination was generating so much power that it eventually bent the frame and caused season ending damage to the tractor. With such an abrupt end to the season, Stan started fresh with a new chassis from pulling legend Tim Engler that he and his crew helped to design.

The performances that Stan Shelton and his team were putting forward in the earlier going of the 2011 season made many wonder how it was possible for someone with a new tractor to be so consistent. Aside from being a student, Stan and his team possess a great level of discipline and attention to detail. Their meticulous approach to maintenance and daily service on the tractor gave them a high level of confidence when taking the tractor into the field of play.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better season, as we didn’t really consider ourselves a contender. Every chassis, every motor, every set of tires is different and we felt really lucky that our combination worked very early on. We had plans to try several different combinations with the tractor but finding ourselves in the points chase, totally changed our mindset, stated Shelton.”

Entering the season Stan and the SVS Enterprises team developed a formula that included a plan to stick to basics and carry the same focus to each event in hopes of finishing in the top five. As the season progressed and the Shel-Shocked tractor found itself sitting atop the perch of the point’s race, the team’s philosophy did not change as they were pleased to drive off the track with a top five finish.

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the early performance of the tractor as it was going straight and running consistently. We left Fairfield on a real high as we found ourselves in a pulloff with some really tough tractors. The next pull we hit was Goshen and we finished ninth, which showed us we had to stay focused on consistent finishes, added Stan.”

In 2012, the competitors of the E-3 Sparkplug Modified Tractor class may very well be ready to make Stan the professor instead of the student. It is certain that in the coming season Stan will have an opportunity to do some teaching when his oldest son Grayson will be dawning the red and black colors of General Tire for the first time as a driver. After a few years of studying his Dad’s every move and gaining some significant knowledge of reading a track and setting up the truck, the youngster will put power to the Ford Ranger that has been a continual class threat for the last decade.

“Grayson will be driving for the 2012 season and we wanted him to start fresh, so we are putting an Engler chassis under the General Tire Cutting Edge. The trend right now in this class is the wedge chassis, but we decided to try something totally different. I am so excited for him to get started as a driver. He has a lot of interest in the sport; he is attentive to the other competitors and what is going on within the class. I look forward to learning from Grayson!” added a proud Dad, Stan.

The same approach from 2011 will be carried into 2012 with Shel-Shocked as a large bulls eye will be sitting on the Champion from North Carolina. Continuing to learn, the team has vowed to take some risks with the tractor setup by applying some additional ideas they feel they may be able to help them gain in the long run.

“We can’t be afraid of change. If you sit still in this sport you will simply find yourself left behind. We plan to try a few tire combinations as each tire is different in competition. It is our goal to learn for the future and we can’t do that if we don’t try some new things.”

The SVS Enterprises team is derived of a bunch of hard working individuals that share the same vision of their fearless leader Stan Shelton. Be it hours on the road behind the wheel of the team’s hauler or stripping a blower in the shop in North Carolina, this team is a well oiled machine that continues to get better.

“This sport brings my family together! My wife (Amy) and kids (Grayson, Reese, and Camille) are an integral part of the team and when my family can no longer be with me, it will be time to quit. I can’t thank them enough for their love, support and efforts. My guys (Warren Barringer, John Pickler, Tommy Sells and Michael Chandler are truly so valuable, we wouldn’t be where we are without their devotion and help. We have some amazing sponsors Culp Lumber Company and General Tire, which have inspired us to further our professionalism as we serve as an extension of their brand while traveling the circuit chasing the Champions Tour,” commented Shelton.

The road ahead should be exciting for Stan Shelton and his team. Running in 2012 as the defending champion and introducing Grayson to the circuit has truly got the team excited for this coming summer. Each time they leave the shop, the team faces the daunting challenge of road miles and long hours, but it is only part of the bonding that fuels this team’s success. One thing is for certain for the SVS Enterprises Team, from the minute Stan Shelton leaves the shop to moment he arrives at the pulling venue, class is in session!