Saturday
presented the usual challenges in trying to change a chassis
from one track to another. The #84x team cured a loose condition
right into a tight condition for qualifying. Out of 18 cars,
we managed an 11th qualifying position, not bad for a car
set up for another track with different tires.
Matt
started the feature with one goal: Finish! 100 laps is a long
race with a lot of action to avoid and opportunities to explore.
The start went beautiful and lasted several laps as the field
settled in. Then, the traditional cautions began challenging
the field, but Matt read each and every restart like a pro.
One of his goals was to forget some of the Legends “Shootout”
style aggressiveness and let the race come to him. As always,
there is one or two competitors that are tough to pass and
without being aggressive, there is a fine line between bump
and run and clever driving.
On
lap 83, Matt had his break, except it would be to the outside
where few will dare travel. As we all held our breath, Matt
made the pass brilliantly and flawlessly. Then it was apparent,
his car was coming to him while the leaders were beginning
to fade.
Normally,
a caution would be a good thing under this condition as Matt
had a short straight a way to catch the leaders. Except, the
ensuing caution allowed his car to go back to a tight condition
that required 5 laps to straighten out. With laps winding
down, the #84x car was beginning to come alive, the goal to
finish a clean race far exceeded the need to gain high-risk
positions. Just like Matt won the Lowes Summer Shootout in
points, he settled for 7th place and a car in the same condition
as it came out of the trailer.
This
100 lapper became a huge confidence builder for the entire
#84x team headed by Wayne Anderson and Dave Pletcher.
Meanwhile,
progress continues on the new Port City chassis build exclusively
by Wayne Anderson.
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