10/1/2018
Joel Rayborne
Arizona Rounds in the Bag.
Arizona and ET Motopark Arizona Speedway with the USAC CRA Sprint Car Series for rounds #19 and #20 was just awesome. Our Saturday main was short due to an over zealous rookie, but mistake noted, learned, and we move on.
Saturday we tried a slightly different setup then we have. Little by little we have been plugging away on the 12B Jim Blakesley Racing sprint car and we may have just found it. This by far was about the most comfortable I have felt at the wheel to date. Right from hot laps I could tell it was going to be a good night. Sad thing is once I returned to the pits after hot laps the brand new right rear tire my dad got for me had a huge slash in it and it was done, only 4 laps old ?? . We put on the only other used one we had, a quick groove from my dad and it was time for qualifying. I was really looking forward to a good time however, I over drive it a bit and lost some speed.
For the heat race i started on pole and got beat to the flag stand, guess I waited a bit too long. Did my best and was staying in the group comfortably. While running 5th I made a bobble and lost that spot, then I did the same thing and lost 6th spot. I am not saddened by this at all. The car was fast, I was able to try different things and I learned so much for the main event.
For the A main we made some changes to the car that my Dad had planned. Plenty of help and input from others is always welcomed but Im glad he stuck to his plan because the car was a rocket. On the first start we were lined up behind points leader Brody Roa and we made up some position and I felt good, however, the starter did not like the start and called it back. On the second start I got a great jump Brody went low in turn one and I decided to go to the top. Sadly the car just in front of Brody slid up the track into my path and I couldnt get slowed up enough. After a small tap to my left front the car didnt feel right. I tried two more corners and knew I had to get off the track. After coming to a stop I was told the left front radius rod was bent and the torsion arm fell below the axle. Being how the work area is at ET Motopark Arizona Speedway we did not have a way to have spares with us. Night two done in 1 lap. It is ok tho. The car was fast and I really feel it was going to be a great finish.
All weekend was all positives. So many drivers giving advice and trying to help me get better and I really appreciate it. Tom Sertich and crew continue to help in so many ways it is amazing. Tom really helps me understand what I need to do in the car. RJ Johnson always takes the time to tell me what to do right, and has no problem telling me what I did wrong.
I have to give a big thank you to my Dad, my Grandpa, Brooks Rayborne, and Tim McGrath. Two race nights in a row in 100+ degree weather is never easy but they worked hard.
Thank you to everyone who helps us do this. All the fellow racers and crew who always offer a hand and advice.
My sponsors and people who help support me are the greatest. We still lead the Rookie of the Year points and will continue to work on finishing the year off, and finishing strong to keep that title. We are also trying to gather support for 2019 which would allow me to live this wonderful dream of mine.
Jim Blakesley Racing, A&J Racing Quarter Midgets, DJ Safety, Justice Brothers, Okie Race Cars, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, ROW Signs & Graphics
Please support those who support racing!!!
Next race Perris Auto Speedway on October 20th. Bring a friend, bring the whole family, bring a neighbor. Come see the greatest form of racing on the planet. Guys who drive cars over 100mph on dirt within inches of each other.
Submitted By: Rodney Rayborne
