Cole Powell to Test ARCA Car at Daytona
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Cole Powell of Mount Brydges, Ontario will test at Daytona International Speedway this week in advance of his ARCA Racing Series debut on February 15, 2014.
“(It) just happened though connections with people knowing people and we were guided towards Empire,” Powell said.
Empire Racing is based in Mooresville, NC and owned by John Corr. The car will be either #8 or #48. There are no additional ARCA races are planned at this time. Powell could not provide specifics regarding a potential ride in the NASCAR Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series.
“I’m really excited to get to the track this week for the test and finally get to feel what it’s like to drive Daytona Speedway,” Powell said. “It’s going to be a dream come true.”
Powell will compete in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Daytona. Despite starting 29th , Powell finished 8th in the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach.
“I think the mod race is going to be a ton of fun,” Powell said. “We have a full year with the mods now and we’ve learned a ton and I think we have the potential to be a major threat.”
“I think if you can qualify up front and get to watch the wrecks happen in your mirror would be a major help with finishing,” Powell said. “But if that isn’t the case, I think if you can hook up with a few good cars and just ride around trying your best to avoid the big one and then charge with all you got in the final laps.”
As the reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rookie of the Year, Powell can compete in the 25-lap invitational race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 12, 2014.
“I think it’s going to be a blast,” Powell said. “I have a feeling the final handful of laps are going to be crazy and I’d bet money people are going to see a few cautions because that race would be pretty special to win.”
Powell will also run two NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour races – the season opener at Caraway on March 9th and Bowman Gray Stadium on August 2nd. Powell has finished third in the last two Bowman Gray Southern Modified Tour races. While he happy with a pair of podium finishes at the tricky quarter-mile oval, Powell would like to improve on his career best finish.
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com