OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- After a spirited come-from-behind podium finish at Fairgrounds Speedway less than two weeks ago, Donnie Wilson is set for a return to competition. This time, at Pensacola, FL’s 5 Flags Speedway in the opening round of the lauded ‘Blizzard Series’.
The 3-time Southern Super Series winner will join a bevy of Super Late Model talent from across the country in the ‘Kick Start 100’.
“Pensacola is one of the toughest tracks in the entire country,” remarked Wilson with a smile when asked about April 24th’s event. “If you want a good run there – you need a consistent car all night long. You need grip all night, which is tough to do. But, if we can have our car handling like it did at Nashville then I think we should be ok”
Wilson led 40-laps in his last start, before a late-race flat tire sent him free-falling through the field. A highlight-reel rally in the final 9 laps put Wilson on the podium, though the veteran is eager for a victory to help bounce back from the disappointment.
“My guys gave me an incredible car at Nashville, and we just couldn’t seal the deal,” shrugged Wilson. “The best way to make it up to them would be a win at 5 Flags”
“We consider every race we enter to be a ‘big race’, but there’s something special about racing at Pensacola,” continued Wilson. “I’ve been going there a long time. I’ve had some great runs there – a whole lot of second place finishes – but never a win”
“It’s a place that I would absolutely love to scratch off my list”
5 Flags Speedway’s abrasive surface is legendary, and Wilson notes that tire wear will play a role even in 100-lap competition.
“You start to feel your tires wear out around 30-laps into a run,” said Wilson. “That’s the same for just about every single one of these cars”
“The key is going to be who can save them for the last 20-laps. Whoever has that little bit left at the end is going to be the one holding all the cards.”
Details regarding this Friday’s Kick Start 100 can be found at www.5FlagsSpeedway.com.
Fans can stay up to date with Wilson’s progress throughout the weekend by following along at his official Donnie Wilson Racing page on Facebook.
Donnie Wilson’s 2015 season is made possible thanks to Wilson’s Ford Parts and OKC Autoworks.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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