NCWTS Rookie Aiming for Seventh Top-15 Finish at the Premier NASCAR Event
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (July 17, 2015) – Ray Black Jr. has never competed in a dirt race before, but he still feels confident about the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ (NCWTS) visit to Eldora Speedway next week for one of the most anticipated races of the year. The driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet has been taking the necessary steps to prepare himself for his dirt racing debut and looks forward to the upcoming challenge.
The NCWTS trip to Eldora Speedway is always a highlight of the season, as it is one of the most watched and talked about races of the year. Black is thrilled for the chance to compete with all eyes of the racing community on the series and for the opportunity to visit a track that many say has a “local” feel to it.
“I’m ready for Eldora! You hear so much about it and how different the racing is, that I’m just really excited to get out there and be a part of it this year. It’s a great to see the trucks have such an highly-anticipated event all to their selves,” said Black. “Plus I’ve heard Eldora has more of a local short track feel to it when compared to these speedways we visit. I’m looking forward to getting back to that since that’s where I started my racing career. Those crowds are fun – a little more rowdy. It will be a nice change of pace.”
In order to prepare for the event, Black visited Wythe Raceway, a dirt track in Virginia, during the series’ off weekend. Armed with a late model stock car and members of his team, including crew chief Jason Miller, he worked on perfecting some dirt racing techniques to prepare for Eldora.
“It was a lot of fun getting out on the dirt in a late model,” he said. “It went well, and I had a blast out there. I was able to get a feel for that style of racing and do a couple of donuts too!”
While the session will help Black out on the track at Eldora, he’s also aware that there may be some unexpected challenges that will come while racing there – but he’s ready to tackle them head-on.
“I think one big challenge will be finding a rhythm out on the track,” said Black. “Finding a rhythm is huge on dirt, and so developing one early on will be the key to success. Once I find it, I’m confident I can manage anything else that comes my way.”
Race coverage for the 1-800-CARCASH Mud Summer Classic at Eldora Speedway will air on Fox Sports 1 on Wednesday, July 22 at 9 pm ET. However, fans can catch all practice sessions, qualifying and heat races earlier that day on Fox Sports 1, as the network will be providing complete coverage of the NCWTS trip to Eldora. MRN will also be providing radio coverage of the event.
Fans can keep up with Ray Black Jr.’s dirt track debut by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife on Twitter at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
