The Quest for the championship starts at the Daytona Short Track and I was so pumped for the start of the season and show off my Chaplin Kawasaki mad skills. The track was the same as it has been the last couple of years, bumpy for sure and hang on lap after lap for a great show for the fans. Daytona usually isn’t very favorable to me, but I was ready for what would come my way and damn I needed to start the season off right.
Night one under the lights was like déjà vu in years past, however I felt strong and confident that we were doing well enough for the main. Laid down some promising laps and felt dialed in. After qualifying for the show, we landed in heat two, had a decent start and raced against Jared to the checkers, I held my line , and he held his as we raced to the 10 lap heat. I finished 2nd and qualified for the Dash for cash.
The dash allows a handful of guys to sample the track before the main event, check out new lines and ultimately gain some points and cash in the end. A short four laps and the flag is up for grabs. Battled with Weidman after having a decent start and finished a solid 4th.
Time for the main.. Had a front row start coming out of turn row I was in second, ugh it was rough out there, hanging on and in control was certainly a challenge.. The leaders were out front and we were following, hoping to capitalize and any ones mistakes. We rode well and racked up a 4th place for the night. It was indeed my best showing at Daytona to date.
Day two.. Had front row start in the heat outside, had a great start and once again chasing Jared. His line and mine were slightly different but I was pulling some fast laps so it was working for me. He knew I was right there, I could have tapped him, every corner I would square up and hope to use that speed to catch him. Half way the groove was showing up strong and getting slick. I ended in 2nd.
The dash was much the same as last night, good start, I went outside and well Jared went inside for the pass. All in all ended 4th… ready for the main.
I was actually first on the line, as Jared took outside Pole position, I was inside hoping a holeshot and a good drive off the bottom would deem favorable. My start was not great and found myself mid pack, which I wasn’t crazy about. After the excitement up front panned out, I found my rhythm and went to work , passing from the inside and I made strides to the front pack. We were all kind of bouncing around and hanging on in control to chase down the leaders. I had some company named Baker but I was holding my position and relying on my experience to prevail, and so it did as I added another 4th place finish to my career.
Photo Credit to Dave of Flat Trak Fotos.
