The track isusually dirty and the time of day always favors the last to qualify. Laying down a quick 17.63, it would hold as a good run, however, the top dogs would soon take advantage of an improving track. With the exception of some out-of-the-box runs by a few cars, it seemed that 8 cars all had equal runs in the 17.60s. Just .03 of a second pushed Matt back to 10th starting position. There is a knack to qualifying at New Smyrna and Matt has seen a fast time in Late Models. We have every reason to expect a dramatic improvement in upcoming races as Matt learns to drive deeper into the corner with confidence. Matt Bowers drove a textbook perfect 110 laps of the 125-feature event. It included good passes, good patience, and great headwork. He fought a “tight in the center”; “push” that hindered the the true potential of the car. However, Matt

quickly found a line that would relieve the condition, however, it made inside passing a real challenge.

Adding to the drama and excitement, the leaders were falling and Matt was navigating the carnage like a seasoned veteran in Late Models. After a caution, on the restart, a door was opened and Matt made his move. Considering how he set up the pass, his move was not for just 3rd place, Matt was going for the win and he had the car to do it -

- Except for one minor problem: The 5th place car, knowing Matt would push in the center, used that to his advantage to “lift” Matt and loosen him out of the exit off turn 2. The result was not in Matt’s playbook and he was unable to gather up 700 HP trying to grip a pavement left underneath the 3rd place car. Refusing to give in, Matt refused to come out of the throttle and in a Super Late Model, combined with the debris on the lower back stretch, Matt got into the outside car and the end result was two cars on the hook.

Call it anything you like, it was a mistake with dire consequences putting an end to a brilliant run. Although Cup drivers can make the exact same mistake, it always presents the ultimate in humble pie. Matt ended up the night with a 9th place finish, 6th in Sunbelt points. Shoulda, woulda, coulda, if that pass stuck, Matt was about to see his 2nd Super Late Model checkered flag. Now on to our old home track, Orlando SpeedWorld on May 9th.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Skybolt Aerospace, Ctech, Allen & Company and all of our team, friends, and family for supporting Matt Bowers Racing. See you at the track on May 9th!