NCWTS Rookie Making Debut Start at the Prominent NASCAR Short Track
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (August 14, 2015) – It has been a big learning year for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) rookie driver, Ray Black Jr., but one area he has found success in is short track racing. The driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet has secured three Top-15 finishes in the series’ three visits to tracks less than one mile long and is looking forward to picking up another solid finish at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The success has come as a bit of surprise for the rookie driver, as he wasn’t expecting to excel at short tracks as much as he has been. However, Black is taking the triumphs in stride and plans to continue the Top-15 streak at Bristol.
“I wasn’t expecting the short track success, but I’m definitely enjoying it! I think the team and I just do really well at keeping the truck clean and surviving the race to be there at the end,” said Black. “The team has a lot to do with it. They are giving me great trucks to run with, which really helps when you’re competing in such tight quarters.”
Tight quarters happens to be something Bristol is known for, and Black is prepared for the upcoming challenge. The UNOH 200 will be his first start at the famous short track.
“I’ve heard it’s a really racey track. It has got some high banks for being such a small track, so that makes for some tight racing,” Black said. “I think it will be a lot of fun to go racing there. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Short track racing is just so much more aggressive than racing at a 1.5-mile track. The only way I could explain it to someone who hasn’t done it before is that it’s like driving in heavy traffic when you are trying to make it somewhere on time. You have to cut people off and fight your way to the front. It’s intense but a lot of fun!”
With just over half of his rookie season over, Black is proud of what his team has been able to accomplish but is still searching for a little more before the end of the season.
“We’ve done really well this year at intermediate tracks and short tracks. Circumstances have robbed us of a couple of finishes this year, but we have had lots of speed so I’m excited to keep working hard with the team and building on what we’ve accomplished so far,” said Black.
“The goal is to get back into the Top-10 by the end of the year. It would be great to go to the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and have a chance to earn a Top-10 finish in the championship. I know my team and I can do it.”
Black’s debut race at Bristol Motor Speedway will take place on Wednesday, August 19 at 8:30 p.m. EST. Both Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio will be providing live coverage of the event.
Fans can also keep up with Ray Black Jr.’s race weekend by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
