(2/26/2011 Magnolia, MS) Young Gun David Gravel had never raced at Pikes County Raceway in Magnolia, Ms much less even visited the state but that didn’t seem to matter last evening. The 18 year old from Middlebury, CT didn’t need to know the track to be Fast, and fast he was! From the moment the JRC Transport J&J with Kistler engines unloaded they were very confident in the package that they had brought. When hot laps took the track, Gravel would find himself in the 3rd set of cars and go out and lay down the fastest lap amongst the group and 3rd fastest over all.
The late number he drew in qualifying didn’t seem to slow him down in the least, he was nearly the last car to hit the track and turned the 2nd fastest time of the night. Starting 4th in the second heat Gravel was on the loud pedal from the drop of the green going to high side of the track and blasting by former World of Outlaw Champions Steve Kinser and Donny Shatz to move into 2nd place, which is where he would finish. Next on the list of events was the dash inversion draw, the number 4 was drawn which would mean Gravel would start 3rd in the Dash. When the green waved the youngster was on the move, taking it 3 wide into turn one and making the move to the lead, he never looked back all the way to the checkered flag.
The DDR Motorsports team would find themselves on the pole for the start of the 35 lap feature. The green flew and Gravel battled with KKR driver Cody Darrah for the lead which was captured by Darrah. The track which had roughened over the evening became rougher through out the race as the 1,400 pound winged speed demons sped around lap after lap. Gravel would prove stout as he waged war with Outlaw veterans Steve Kinser (eventual race winner), Jason Sides and Joey Saldana gaining valuable experience during each battle. When the checkered flag finally flew after several cautions and a red flag for fuel, the kid from Ct would finish a career best 5th place with the Greatest Show on Dirt.
“This is really a great night for DDR Motorsports tonight.” exclaimed an exuberant Gravel. “Rob gave me the right set up from the time we unloaded and the track was racey all night long. Anytime you can come out and be this strong with the best sprint car drivers in the world, you have done something. I made some mistakes out there but that is just part of learning. It’s a great confidence builder for this team and creates some real momentum heading into tonight’s race in Houston.”
The team now visits another track that the youngster has to race on tonight at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, TX. Based on last night’s results that shouldn’t be a concern to the visitor from Middlebury.
Fans be sure to find David on facebook at David Gravel Racing. An announcement will be made soon regarding a promotion that you are not going to want to miss and will be available to all of the fans of David Gravel Racing on Facebook.
For more information contact Paul Joiner at Ideas & Images.. www.ideasimagesmotorsports.com
