Pre-Race Notes: Matt Mead // New Smyrna Speedway – NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Driver: Matt Mead
Car: Unsponsored No. 81 Pro Late Model
Sanction: NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Race: Pro Late Model 50
Track: New Smyrna Speedway – New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Track Description: .500-mile high-banked oval
Date/Time: Saturday, September 2
Race Length: 50 laps
TV Coverage: None
Radio Coverage: None
Last Race Recap: Matt’s most recent race was nearly a month ago after this particular event was rescheduled due to rain on August 5. In the July 31 contest at New Smyrna, Matt finished second, ghosting every move the leader made, after running what most of his crew called the best race of his career. That race was only 25 laps compared to 50 this weekend.
Schedule Shakeup: Rain has wreaked havoc on Matt’s schedule this summer, possibly to the benefit of his racing career. A number of races were called on raceday, like the one the track is making up this weekend. Despite the raceday rain, Matt was able to test and practice the car during those weekends, giving him valuable track time and learning opportunities to improve his abilities behind the wheel. Perhaps those rainouts were blessings in disguise.
Endurance Test: To date, most of Matt’s late model races have been similar in length to the majority of his Legend car races from earlier in his career. This week, the event is scheduled for 50 green flag laps, double the length he has run the last few times he has raced the No. 81 Anthony Campi Racing Toyota. Though he has run a select handful of extra-distance Legend car races, this will be the longest and most grueling race of his short career.
Matt’s Thoughts: “It’ll be a longer race and my first time back in the car for a while. It will be really important on test day to get back in the groove of things with recalling the proper line, braking points and things like that. There will likely be more cars and competition for this extra-distance race, so I’m actually looking forward to seeing how we stack up. I’ve only run one or two 50-lappers in a Legend car in the past, so this will definitely be something new and an opportunity to learn.”
The Skinny: For more information and the latest updates about Matt, find him on social media such as Facebook (@MeadRacingTeam), Twitter (@mead_24) and Instagram (@mattmead24).
Sources: Performace Marketing Group PR