9/23/2018
Joel Rayborne
Glenn Howard Memorial a Success
Had a great night at Perris Auto Speedway Saturday with the USAC CRA Sprint Car Series for the Glenn Howard Memorial. We are really starting to get the 12B Jim Blakesley Racing sprint car working to my liking and I am becoming more comfortable in it. After qualifying 14th fastest and almost turning my first 17 second lap at the PAS, missed it by .05, I was slated to start outside row one for heat race 2. Got a great start and led the group into turn one and down the back straight. Had a couple car lengths on Logan Williams as I went to the top and he went to the bottom of turn 3. I thought I might lead my first lap in the Amsoil USAC/CRA series but I washed the nose a tad and he beat me to the line. It was a great heat race racing with Logan, Brody, Damian, and Matt and getting the chance to learn some new things. Felt great being able to stay close for a few more laps then normal.
The main event was just as exciting as the heat race. Our goal was to race and continue learning. Starting outside I had planned to use the top of one and two to make up some spots and it worked. I was still a little lost in 3 & 4 and finding a line that is comfortable and fast for me. Throughout the race I battled back between 14th and 17th and ended up with a 15th place finish. The finishing number may not sound good but it was actually a great race and learning curve. I used the race to try and get a handle on turns 1 and 2 and really get to feel the race car under me. Passing cars on the top and bottom I just need to start putting it all together. I am happy with the result and what was learned and look forward to going back out on October 20th. Make sure you bring your friends and family and help support the sport.
Thank you to my Dad, Grandpa, and Tim for working so hard all night long. Tobey Sampson couldn't make it cause he wasn't feeling well so the three of them had to fill in. Thank you to Tom Mooseracing92 and Rj Johnson for always helping and answering questions to help me improve.
Thank you to the companies and people who help me chase this dream of mine. The program had a picture of me and small caption that could not have said it any better. I am "Determined to prove 'race car driver' is what I am meant to be". There is nothing I enjoy or love more then being in the seat of a race car.
Submitted By: Rodney Rayborne
