July 3, 2008 – Clyde Hart Memorial – Results
Choosing to stay with the same set-up of the previous New Smyrna race seemed like a rational plan that would require little track testing to prepare for the Clyde Hart Memorial. We rolled out onto the speedway only to find an ill handling car due to a change in brake pads that was not quite adjusted for the conditions. The second round of practice presented Matt with some continued handling problems placing our team down to one last practice session to find forward progress. The culprit was discovered and repaired just in time to scuff tires prior to qualifying which we assumed should go quite well. It did not. A previous qualifying car appeared to oil the track which set Matt into an overly cautious first lap thus breaking momentum and a good qualifying line. Matt qualified a dissapointing15th but confident of the car and the ability to work traffic towards the front.

The race began clean, almost boring as drivers settled in for 125 laps. Matt found a great position to ride out the race preserving his equipment.

On or about lap 65, two cars in front of Matt got tangled. Matt made his line to avoid the outside spin but got slightly clipped by the inside car as he came around. This altered the toe in on the #84x car and severed his radio wire and communications with Dave Pletcher, his spotter and coach.

For the balance of the race, Matt was on his own to fight a loose condition center off that limited just how hard he could expect to run. Matt chose to run a conservative balance to the race and allow the front runners to battle and possibly give up spots. This strategy has worked for many racers many times, but this night, the front runners ran clean to the finish. Thus Matt drove an 11th place car to an 11th place finish bringing home his ride in good order (except the driver’s door and radio wire).

One of the greatest assets to a competitor is his crew chief. Matt and Dave debriefed thoroughly and agreed on a plan, not only for New Smyrna, but Lakeland as well. We tested the plan at Lake City with the Howe chassis and it worked brilliantly. Dave will look to that set-up on the Port City chassis at Lakeland on August 2nd. Add to the fact that as a rookie, Matt is gaining valuable seat time by finishing races thus keeping him well within reach of the overall points lead. Gaining that huge Orlando win just 3 races into his rookie year really helps our team on the few events we are not on top of our game.