MARNE, MI- If the 2014 ARCA/CRA Super Series season has taught Brandon Watson anything, it’s how to battle back through adversity. The third-generation star has persevered through a number of struggles in his first four starts, overcoming challenges with the cool-headedness of a champion.
Round 4 of the tour brought Watson’s family-owned effort to Marne, MI’s Berlin Raceway. After qualifying 8th, Watson entered the 125-lap A Main in search of a strong run after mechanical troubles plagued the team at Illiana Motor Speedway on May 26th.
“After Illiana, our team made sure not to dwell on the negative”, explained Watson. “We went back to the drawing board and worked hard to have the car ready for Berlin. After all the travel time, we only had two nights in the shop to make this happen. I appreciate my team’s hard work in order to make the quick turnaround possible”
Watson qualified 8th quickest, and felt comfortable with the car at the start of the A-Main.
“We were able to knock down some good times in practice, and I was happy with our qualifying effort. In the beginning, it felt as though the car was responding just the way we wanted it to”
Unfortunately for Watson, the car developed a loose condition very early in the 125-lap event.
“Right around lap-15 the car got incredibly free”, explained a visibly disappointed Watson. “It just didn’t want to settle down for us at all. Every lap became a battle just to get it through the ends”
Despite the car’s handling issues, Watson managed to hang on for a 15th finish with the car in one piece at the end of the evening.
“The fact that we’re able to roll this car into the trailer looking the same way it did when it came out, is a victory”, offered Watson. “When I think of how hard my Dad and the rest of this team works on this car, I’m grateful to bring it home in one piece. Tonight wasn’t our night, and I would’ve felt awful if I had pressed the issue and senselessly torn up a good racecar”
“We would much sooner spend a week analyzing what we can do to make the car faster, than spend a week repairing damage”
“Our team will be ready for the Redbud 300 next week”, said Watson, confidently. “There’s no quit in us. We know we have a strong program. It’s all about putting the little pieces together to make it work”
Brandon Watson will return to action at the 39th annual Redbud 300 at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana on June 13th & 14th.
To learn more about Brandon, visit www.BrandonWatsonRacing.com and follow @BrandonWatson15 on Twitter.
Watson’s Hamke by Brian MacDonald chassis is sponsored by Shear Metal Products, Royal Distributing, Barrie Frame & Alignment, The Smart Exchange and Knightworks Designs. Additional packages are still available
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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