First Place in the First Race

The Joey's Trophies NASCAR Season Opener at Colorado National Speedway was one to remember for Jax Hughes and the Veracity Racing team. There were about 1,000 race fans that braved the early April date, only to be treated to a beautiful Colorado Spring day! A big thanks to the Blue Gator Tiki Bar and Restaurant, Colorado Axle and Gear, and Showtime Towing for their help and support as we head into this 2016 season.

A special thanks to KLG Motorsports and Kenton Gross for a couple of hard weeks' work helping us get the 51 Super Stock ready for opening day. The rules were changed just a bit for 2016, and a new spring package was in order. We also got a hand from Wild Will Fabrication in getting the car set up in the shop.

Race day came up quick. Afternoon practice sessions found Jax and the team working on a couple of issues we never thought we'd have to resolve at the track, but a power steering hose and a leaking axle seal made it one of those days where you are thankful to make it to qualifying. Thanks to Josh Paden in the pits and a huge thanks to Kyle Patee for all of his help, and his experience in finding the right race set up. With no real practice, Jax laid down a decent qualifying run, but so did everyone else in the field! Congratulations to Cody Vanderwal for setting quick time. After qualifying and the pill draw, Jax missed the fast dash, but found himself on the pole of the dash for the first race at Colorado National Speedway for the 2016 season.

After the National Anthem and a couple of parade laps, the 2016 season was underway. Jax jumped out to an early lead and held off the CH9 Racing Chevy Nova of Curtis Heldenbrand for the 10 lap dash and got first place in the first race. This was Jax's first checkered flag at CNS. A nice reward for a hectic afternoon. CNS took all of the dash winners over to the grandstands side to sign some autographs.

The main saw some familiar hot-shoe racers, as well as some newcomers to the Great Scott's Eatery Super Stock division running at the front of the 17 car pack. The 75 of Levi Greenly had been the car to beat all day. Congratulations on a dominating performance coming from a 7th place starting position to win the main. Brian Yackey worked his way through traffic to bring it home second, followed by Michael Cox, Cody Vanderwal, Chris Cox, and Mike Steward.

Jax battled early with the 18 of Rob Davey and the 9 of Curtis Heldenbrand, and settled into line to finish in the 9th spot, holding off the 19 Shelby Cortese and the 02 of Darrel Smith.

Way to go to Makayla Grote on a good performance in her first run back after a couple of years off!

Our next race is April 16 - The Sunoco Race Fuel High Octane Action Night at Colorado National Speedway. Racing starts at 5:30 PM. See you there!