G-OIL Twin 50's Review and Return of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour

July 5, 2012 - PRLog -- This week is a huge week for not only our country, as we celebrate our country's birthday, but for the local racing community.  While Legendary Bowman Gray Stadium takes its annual mid season break for the Fourth of July, there is plenty of other racing excitement and Brian Loftin Racing is ready for the return of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour schedule (NWSMT).

So far this year, Brian has driven at ‘the stadium’ for “Puddin” Swisher in the #53 left vacant by Jonathan “Jon Boy” Brown as well as the beloved Hill Family, aka Hillbilly Racing out of Westfield, NC.  This past Saturday night Brian drove the #79 Coors Light/Annabelle’s/Mtn River Trucking modified for the Hill’s again, in the G-OIL Twin 50’s presented by the Winston-Salem Journal.   While the other starts at Bowman Gray and Star Speedway in New Hampshire haven’t had the results that neither Brian nor the Hill’s wanted or deserved, Saturday was better for the team as they look to build some momentum for future partnerships.   Brian qualified Fourth overall, which is by far his best qualifying effort of the season at the MADHOUSE, and with the top 6 qualifiers drawing, Brian drew 3rd for the start of the first race.   Beginning the first race in the most extreme heat of the summer, as evident by the very light crowd in attendance, Jason Myers and Brian got together in the opening laps.  This caused a major wreck and unfortunately ended some of the competitors night that were behind them who got caught up in a 9 car pile-up.   Brian held on to what was a very loose handling race car and finished the first race in 8th.    The incident between Jason and Brian was resolved quickly in the pits afterwards as both competitors discussed the situation; racing incidents like this will happen often at small bull rings like Bowman Gray Stadium.

The starting lineup for the second of the G-OIL Twin 50’s was determined by the infamous Madhouse Scramble draw, where the winner of the first race pulls a numbered chip from a bag (an 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16) and that is where the field inverts to.  Jonathan Brown, winner of the first race, pulled a 10 putting Brian and the #79 team starting the 3rd once again.   Expectations were running high for a win in the second race, however unlike normal races where you can change out tires, officials stated any tire changes would result in starting the second race from the rear of the field.  Sure enough they held true and put Brian in the rear for the start.   There were other teams who changed tires, however they had ‘scuffed’ their second set so you couldn’t really tell they were a different set entirely.  Despite having started dead last, Brian raced his way to the top 10 quickly even with only a couple of cautions.  Had there been a couple more cautions, Brian and the team believe they could have been in contention for the win, especially with the 'cone' double file restart being in place.  Brian raced his way up to the sixth spot and while it wasn’t a win, it was a good night overall for both Brian, crew and the Hillbilly Team.

Now Brian and his L&R Transmission/QMF Metal Fabrication #23 team return along with the rest of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour for the 5th race of the 2012 season.  Once again we return to Caraway Speedway in Sophia, NC; just outside of Asheboro, for the Firecracker 150.  Brian and the team tested last week and was very happy with how the car is hooking up with the track.  With the first win earlier in the year, Brian and the team are not only hungrier for more but another win would help propel the team into championship contention.  Currently the team sits 6th in the season points standings.  This Friday night’s racing action gets under way at 8pm with gates opening at 6pm and an on-track autograph session at 7:15pm.

Brian and the team would like to thank Sandra, David and the entire Hill Enterprises race team for what has been one of the most enjoyable of partnerships.  The professionalism, atmosphere and vibe have been amazing; and who knows where that might lead in the future.   They have made us all feel like part of the Hillbilly Racing family and for that we all thank them!

Make plans on attending a short track this week but for sure come out Friday night to Caraway for the Firecracker 150!   To all the fans of Brian Loftin Racing, we hope you are having a very Happy and Safe Fourth of July Holiday and Happy Birthday America!!!