Broke!
It was Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Colorado National Speedway, and some of the most popular classes were on the schedule for June 24, including the Super Late Models, Grand American Modifieds, Super Stocks, and Trains. After a couple of weeks of hot temperatures, a day with a high of 74 degrees and no rain in the forecast was welcomed. And here's a salute to those that keep us safe!
The 51 Super Stock had some shifting problems in the previous event at CNS. It was nothing that affected performance on the track, but we did get stuck between gears a few times in the pits. We discovered a leak in the hydraulic clutch and dropped the transmission to replace the throw out bearing in the off week. After three quick practice sessions, we were ready for qualifying.
Jax Hughes was only able to run a 9th place qualifying time, but was fast enough to make the fast dash. Starting on the last row of a 10 lap dash with the fastest cars in the division quickly develops a strategy of save tires and don’t put the car at risk. That’s exactly what he did, sharing that strategy with Darrell Smith in the 02 car.
The rules in the Super Stock division are tight, and have produced a lot of closely matched competitors. Starting position in the main event is more important than a lot of people think. There are a few cars that can make up positions when they start deep in the field, but for the most part, and when everything goes well, where you start is going to be pretty close to where you finish. For many Super Stocks – Jax included - the most important part of making the fast dash is being able to get a pill draw for the main, and starting in the top half of the field. And that pill draw was great – 2nd!
The main event was an exciting one. The 99 of Nic Brinlee got off to an early lead. Jax dropped back a few spots, but was battling well for 5th and 6th spots. The 49 of Chris Cox caught Brinlee and they swapped the lead a couple of times during the race. All of a sudden, while running with Larsen, Smith, and the 19 of Shelby Cortese, Jax lost power and pulled down to the apron and off the track. The transmission was evidently part of the problem in our previous race, as it was now officially broke! Jax was hoping for a caution, sitting dangerously close to the racing surface in turn one, but it never came. He was delegated a spectator for the remaining laps.
Chris Cox made the last move for the lead and won his fourth of four main events for the season. Congrats to Chris and the team. 99 Brinlee followed closely for second, with Mike Cox in the 3 and the 06 of Jeff Dempewolf right behind. The 82 of James Larsen rounded out the top 5. Good finish James!
The points chase just got tough for Jax and Veracity Racing. His 18th place finish drops him from 4th to 5th and he has some solid competition sitting right behind him. We’ve got the transmission replaced, and are ready to keep focused on solid finishes. Our next race is this Sunday, July 2nd, as Colorado National Speedway runs another two-night event with fireworks each night, celebrating our Nation’s Independence Day. The Super Stocks will appear with a Super Late Model special event, along with our huge field of Legends cars and the DemoX divisions. As always – thanks to all of our family and friends, Colorado Axle and Gear and Sundance Automotive for their help and support, and a special thanks to Will at A1 Transmission for helping get us ready for this next race!
