Rookie Driver Secures His Best Starting Spot of the Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 16, 2015) – Ray Black Jr.’s debut race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was a bit of a roller coaster, as the rookie NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver secured his highest starting spot of the season but struggled to overcome a late race spin during the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
Despite making an engine change during the first practice of the weekend, Black rebounded to finish in the Top-12 for the final practice. He then secured his best starting spot of the season when he qualified eighth.
“The team really came together to get our No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet Silverado ready for qualifying after the engine change, and it certainly paid off,” said Black. “It feels great to see the guys’ hard work pay off in such a huge way.”
After the drop of the green flag, Black found his truck to be extremely tight and struggled to get it to handle well in Turns 3 and 4. With the fast pace being set by the leaders, Black fell one lap down at Lap 58. The team then received a pit road penalty for being over the wall too soon during their second stop of the night but remained determined to keep their heads up.
On Lap 104, Black was racing in 18th place when the No. 74 truck of Jordan Anderson came down the track on him, causing Black to spin out and collect some serious damage to his truck. From there on out, Black focused on avoiding any last lap wrecks and bringing the truck home in one piece. He finished the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 in 22nd place.
“I don’t know what the No. 74 was thinking. He just moved down on me,” said Black. “Overall, I’m proud of my team. We battled back from a lot this weekend, and it certainly paid off at times. I’m taking this as a sign of good things to come. We just need to get a little luck on our side, and we will be good to go.”
Black now holds 11th place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship points standings. He is just two points behind 10th place driver, Daniel Hemric.
The next race for Ray Black Jr. and the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet Silverado team will be the Lucas Oil 200 at the Dover International Speedway on May 29.
