Ice Cold Shriner Bowl
STOCKBRIDGE, GA (January 12, 2009) - Ice Cold Shriner Bowl gives GMS Team the “Cold Shoulder”
Racing in January has its issues. The weather….37 degrees. The track….still weeping from the overnight storms. The team……not quite cozy.
Plagued by fuel and motor problems all weekend, Charlie’s 7-11 Bandolero failed to complete either race this weekend (Saturday winter series with INEX, and Sunday Ice Cold Shriner Bowl). Despite the crew’s hard work, and Charlie’s determination, something just wasn’t right. Two weeks until the Road Course at AMS should give the team and the driver time to focus on better outcomes.
The Late Model team faired better with a 6th place qualifying effort on Saturday. Max’s 14.15 bettered his old qualifying effort at Lanier National Speedway by a good margin. While the inversion dice gave the team brief hope by hovering on the 6 for a good long while, it eventually rolled over to a 5 that provided no assistance. However, quick maneuvering on the initial start allowed Max to advance his position to 3rd where he would run until a skirmish with the 20 car of Brian Campbell resulted in a severe tire rub on the 7-11 machine. On lap 47, the car was black-flagged for safety concerns surrounding the tire rub, and Max had to start a charge from the back. Passing cars, and making good use of the tracks “choose” rule, Max advanced his position to 8th, when chaos broke out on the lap 71 re-start due to problems with one of the top runners. The mad dash to avoid a car that did not come up to speed resulted in a cut right front tire, which brought Max to the garage a few laps later.
Though disappointed, the team left grateful for the opportunity to race, and help the local Shriners with a charitable event.
Next up for the Late Model….Speed Fest at Lanier National Speedway.