Anderson Confident Entering Governors Cup Weekend at New Smyrna
NORTHFIELD, MN (Nov. 9, 2018) — All of Cole Anderson’s yearly success at New Smyrna Speedway will be tested this weekend. The 2018 World Series of Asphalt Champion will take on the yearly Governors Cup event at New Smyrna where many of the nation’s top pro late model teams and drivers gather to test their mettle and compete for the coveted prize.
While the Governors Cup is one of the two largest events on the track’s schedule, Anderson and the ATF & Gunslinger team have tasted victory at the facility many times this season, including the season-opening World Series where the No. 97 won multiple races and claimed the overall title. The summer months were also kind to Anderson as he led the field to checkers during the hot, slick races on the half-mile. But this event is different and has the full focus of him and his team.
“It would be huge to win this race,” Cole remarked when asked about his weekend. “Governors Cup weekend is where I had my first big race down south in 2015. This has been a bucket list event for me to win, and also for my team. To win this would mean so much to all of us and it would be a great way to end the season at New Smyrna Speedway.”
For the No. 97 Toyota to visit victory lane, Cole will need to adapt to the changing weather conditions since the last time he raced at New Smyrna. Most racetracks tend to change handling characteristics and grip levels as the temperature, humidity and other factors vary in the atmosphere and while New Smyrna is no exception, the ATF & Gunslinger team seem to have found a magic combination no matter the circumstance.
“The track always seems to race the same,” Anderson explained. “Everything about the racetrack doesn’t seem to change for me. Maybe the speeds may slow down, but handling it all feels the same which I hope is in our favor. The only time I can really tell a major difference in the track is after tour mods have raced on it because they lay down a different type of rubber.
“I expect nothing less than a win,” he boldly continued. “We’ve been really fortunate this year to have won ten out of 12 races at New Smyrna and I’d like to think we can carry that over and have a strong performance. I really believe we’ll have a good shot at it.”
Anderson’s attempt will formally begin with the first practice on raceday at 1 pm and qualifications at 6 pm. The pro late model 100-lap feature is the third feature on track after racing begins at 7:30 pm ET.
For more information and the latest updates about Cole Anderson visit his website at ColeAndersonRacing.com. He can also be found on social media such as Facebook (@ColeAndersonRacing), Twitter (@Cole_Anderson97) and Instagram (@Cole_Anderson97).
Sources: Tony Stevens/Pit Row Media