NCWTS Rookie Sets Career-Best Finish at the ‘Magic Mile’
LOUDON, N.H. (September 27, 2015) – With a 13th place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) rookie driver Ray Black Jr. not only secures his 10th Top-15 of the season, but also scores his best finishing position at the track. He previously finished 21st at New Hampshire during his seven-race inauguration with SS Green Light Racing last year.
The driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet was consistent all weekend long, finishing 19th and 20th in the two practice sessions before qualifying 18th for the UNOH 175. Heading into the race, Black was confident in his chances to improve those runs into a Top-15 finish.
“I knew we were going to have a good race based on how we were running earlier in the weekend,” explained Black. “We always run better than we practice, so being that consistent was a good sign for us. The team worked hard and kept getting the truck dialed in for the race so that definitely helped as well.”
For the first half of the race, Black focused on moving up through the field, while also staying out of trouble. Multiple drivers were having issues when fluid leaked on the track, causing them to spin out and lose positions.
As the race continued on, Black and his team made the call to stay out and gain track position while others began making green-flag pit stops. Black was then able to pit when a caution came out later in the race, allowing him to keep his track position and finish 13th, improving his finishing position from last year by seven spots.
“I absolutely felt more confident out there this year compared to last year,” said Black. “I knew what to expect out on the track and didn’t struggle with the handling in the turns as much as I did previously. It’s nice to go to a track where you have something to build on, and the experience really paid off this weekend.”
With this finish, Black also makes up some ground on 10th place in the NCWTS championship standings. He will come into next week’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 31 points back and on a wave of momentum.
“I’ve never ran at Vegas, but I’m excited for it,” Black said. “I think we’ll have a lot of fun and a good run out there. We’ve run well at first-time tracks this year, and with this momentum we are bringing I truly think a Top-10 is realistic for us there.”
Fans can keep up with Black and his upcoming trip out west by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
