4/24/2014
Corey Hoover
Corey Hoover salvages a top 5 at Bakersfield
On Track Inc - CORONA, Calif. (April 24, 2014) - After a week off the California Lightning Sprints returned to Bakersfield Speedway for round 5 of the 18 race series. Corey Hoover was looking to continue the momentum after getting his first heat race win and podium at Ventura.
The day started out with some adversity for Hoover Racing as they broke an axle on their trailer about 40 miles before Bakersfield. Fellow racer Dan Hillberg saved the day and was able to fit Corey's race car in his trailer. Unfortunately most of the spare parts and tools had to be left with the trailer which would make for an interesting race night.
Corey got off to a good start in qualifying as the rookie laid down a 13.7 lap to secure the number 6 spot. This would put him towards the back of his heat race with the inversion. As the green flag dropped in the race, Corey immediately went to work and started to pass cars on the outside. The car appeared to get loose and he fell back in line. As the cars approached turn 3 it was obvious that Hoover had a right rear flat, a cracked wheel was later found to be the cause. After borrowing another right rear wheel/tire from teammate Jeff Dyer, Corey was ready for the 20 lap main. He would have to start towards the rear of the field due to the DNF in the heat race.
As the race went green Hoover started methodically picking off cars. The racing was tight on the 1/3 mile track and it didn't take long to catch lapped traffic. Leader Dan Hillberg was on a mission and pulled out to a sizeable lead. Corey pulled into 4th place with 5 laps to go and began chasing down the 3rd place car of Dyer. As the lapped traffic increased it became more difficult to maneuver. Hoover came around turn 4 on the last lap and caught a group of lapped cars which forced him high into the "marbles". This got Corey just loose enough to allow Stephen Limon to pass him on the inside at the line for 4th and move Hoover back to 5th.
"It was a challenging day with the troubles that we had, but the car was fast and I have to thank everyone that helped us out today including Dan Hillberg, Jeff Dyer, and all of our sponsors" said Corey after the race. Two consecutive top 5 finishes moves the 15 year old rookie up one spot to 8th in the points.
Hoover Racing wishes to thanks all of our valuable partners:
Security Race Products, Action Gas & Welding, Amsoil Oil Twins, Plumbing Dynamics, Chris Kenner Racing, Coast Powder Coating, RCM Designs, and Rosson Racing Engines.
Article Credit: On Track Inc
Submitted By: Corey Hoover
