9/6/2018
Sam Hafertepe Jr
Fueling Issue Hits Hafertepe During Lake Ozark 360 Nationals
(Image Credit: Steve Eichelberger)
Bryan Hulbert – ELDON, Mo. (September 5, 2018) Having a fuel issue strike while leading during Saturday’s preliminary A-Feature at the Lake Ozark Speedway 360 Nationals presented by Impact Signs, Awnings, and Wraps, Sam Hafertepe, Jr. made the best of the weekend with a sixth-place finish in Sunday’s finale.
Working sixth to third, in his Heat Race, the move put him third in the first Qualifier where a runner-up finish put Sam starting fourth in the A-Feature. Working past Sammy Swindell and Tyler Thomas in the early laps, the engine under the bonnet of the Hills Racing Team No. 15h went silent after losing fuel.
Of the event, Sam stated, “We had a part fail, and that just killed our whole weekend. Taking the lead from Swindell and to be driving away when it happened, that deal just spoils it.”
Unable to get back from the work area, Sam had to settle with a 23rd place finish.
Drawing third in Sunday’s fourth Heat Race, Hafertepe again moved forward with a move to second landing him starting third in the final Qualifier where he picked up the win to start seventh in the A-Feature.
Trying to dash into the top-five on the start, Hafertepe nearly went around with the left side tires off the ground for a moment before settling back down and continuing. Getting back to speed from 15th, Sam steadily moved forward for the sixth-place finish.
“We actually got better the second night, but in the feature, we weren’t really expecting the track to do what it did. I actually thought it would stay better, and it didn’t and got slick faster than it did, then I about spun out on the start so that hurt us having to come back from like 13th. It was just a tough weekend.”
Taking the action north, Sam will be at Ontario Canada’s Ohsweken Speedway the next two weekends. Taking in a weekly show this Friday to shakedown his equipment, the team’s goal is the Canadian Sprint Car National on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15. As of September 5, 2018, the event is up to 51 entries. Hafertepe is one of 29 drivers from the United States looking to steal the win.
For continued updates on Sam Hafertepe, Jr. log onto http://www.sam15.com and make sure to find him on Twitter (@samhafertepejr). For news on Hill’s Racing Team, log onto https://www.facebook.com/hillsracing/ and on Twitter (@HillsRacingTeam).
2018 Season to Date:
Events: 53; Wins -9 ; Top 5 - 25; Top 10 - 31; Top 15 –36; Top 20 –42;
Coming Up:
Friday, September 7,2018 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ontario, Can.)
Friday, September 14, 2018 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ontario, Can.)
Saturday, September 15, 2018 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ontario, Can.)
Sam Hafertepe, Jr. T-Shirts:
http://www.kevinquirkracewear.com/buy-driver-tees.htm
Sam Hafertepe, Jr. Online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011628097506
Website: http://www.sam15.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samhafertepejr
The Sponsors:
Hill’s Racing Team, Townline Variety, Heidbreder Foundation Service, Kiebler & Sons Lawn and Landscaping, Fisher Racing Engines, Super Shox, J&J Chassis, Smiley’s Racing Products, Hoosier Tire, Huggins Cams, Champion Oil, The Sparks Family, Lonestar Speedway, Keizer Wheels, XYZ Machining, Simpson Racing Products, CP-Carrillo, KSE Power Steering, FK Rod Ends, BMRS, Allstar Performance, Saldana Racing Products, Vortex Wings, DMI, Wilwood Brakes, Kinsler Fuel Injection, Hwy. 79 Collision.
Submitted By: Bryan Hulbert
