Rookie Driver Utilizing Experience and Enthusiasm in the Drivin’ For Linemen 200
PALM COAST, Fla. (June 9, 2015) – While he may not have gotten the finish he deserved last year, Ray Black Jr. is thrilled to be returning to the Gateway Motorsports Park. The driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet Silverado feels that his experience in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) combined with his admiration for the track will push him to race even harder during Saturday’s Drivin’ For Linemen 200.
Last year Gateway Motorsports Park was the site of Black’s second start in the NCWTS. The team tested at the track prior to the race, and Black instantly clicked with its racing style. He knew then that the track was a special place.
“I like that the corners are different – like corners one and two are different from three and four. It’s one of the series’ shorter tracks, and the characteristics of it make it a good racing track,” said Black. “It’s definitely a fun place. I like the area. I like St. Louis. The atmosphere with all of the fans is so cool! There were a lot of fans there last year, probably one of the best crowds I’ve experienced, so I’m excited to get back to that energy level. Hopefully we can end the night in Victory Lane!”
“It’s fun being the top dog at these stand alone races. To know that the fans are coming out solely to see you compete is really cool. We know we are the big ticket at these events, so the team and I are working hard to give them a great show and completely unique racing experience!”
During last year’s event, Black was running towards the front of the field when Cole Custer got loose and sent him into the wall. He finished the event in 24th place due to the damage received. Despite the finish, Black still feels better prepared and more optimistic for this year’s trip to the track.
“Last year we were having a great race until we got taken out. This time around, I think having more experience will help me, especially now that I’ve raced at places like Dover, New Hampshire, and Martinsville. Those tracks are similar to Gateway in that it’s close-contact, extreme racing. Every lap has us racing as hard as we can, which produces some of the most intense and thrilling racing for fans to experience,” said Black. “I really like that about Gateway, and I think if you like a track you’ll do a lot better. So I think combining that with more experience in this style of racing will set us up for a great night.”
The national television broadcast of the Drivin’ for Linemen 200 begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 this Saturday, June 13. MRN will provide radio coverage of the event.
