Old Dominion Speedway
9-15-2007
Dave got his first Semi Pro INEX Win
Racing is scored by individual tracks and INEX.
Dave would be the first Semi Pro driver to cross the finish line this evening,
therefore picking up his 1st Semi Pro WIN
Tonight's race can be summed up by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Anticipation was high as points racing was close! Unfortunate mistakes would be costly but adrenaline would pursue.
Today's events were graced with cool temps and fast speeds.
The day would start with two practice runs and time trials. Dave would qualify second, start tonight's field in the 4th position on the outside due to the invert. He would then have to go to the rear of the field after an incident in turn one, and finished 3rd with his fastest track speed ever (17.28)
The green flag would drop and they were off into turn one. Drivers would scramble for position when an episode occurred, which would cause Dave to restart in the rear of the field. Dave would be hit hard from behind and then again on the left front side, causing him to drive out of position, but regained control. Under caution, Dave would have to make a pit stop for a new front bumper. Dave's father, Mike Daniels and Roger Austin Sr. quickly went to work to make the necessary repairs. As Dave was leaving the pits, the 89 car of Matt Cannon would enter needing a bumper as well. With tools in hand, Mike and Roger assisted Matt by ripping off the hanging front bumper and replacing it with a new one. Their willingness to help a competitor allowed Matt to resume his position on the track and pick-up the field as the green flag dropped.
Dave was on the move and precisely worked the traffic to pickup positions to finish tonight's race in 3rd. Dave's first words to me were, "I am wore out and my arms feel like lead". We would later learn that the incident in turn one knocked out the toe in the car. We also had a bent left tie rod, bent left front wheel, and a bent steering rack bracket. Yet, Dave would finish the race in 3rd under difficult steering conditions. No wonder he was so worn out after the race!
Roger Austin Jr. picked up his 5th win taking the checkers in tonight's race. With only two races left to go, Jeff Hedrick, Matt Cannon, Roger Austin Jr. and David Polenz are all in the position to pursue the championship.
