NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL- 2013 OSCAAR Super Late Model Rookie of the Year Andrew Gresel wasted little time reintroducing himself to New Smyrna Speedway, recovering from a disappointing time-trial result to earn a 6th place finish in Night 1 of the 48th annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
“I felt as though we left a little bit on the table with our qualifying run, I knew my team had given me a better car than what I showed in time trials. Heading into the feature, I was eager to get to the front as fast as I could”, offered Gresel as the team loaded up in advance of Night 2.
The Hepworth, ON veteran utilized New Smyrna’s fast outside groove, wasting little time advancing from his 13th place starting position.
“The outside groove of this place is the quick way around”, said Gresel. “These cars rely so much on momentum, if you can get up next to the wall and roll around the top side, you’re in good shape”
Gresel ran inside the top-5 for much of the 35-lap contest, before a late-race restart shuffled the former Delaware Speedway champion to the 6th position.
“The cautions didn’t exactly go our way tonight. It seemed as though every time we began to hit our rhythm, we had to pull back in line for a restart. Not much we can do about that. It’s all part of the game”
With a solid 6th place finish in his back pocket, Gresel will hope to ride his wave of momentum into Night 2 of the 7 night mini-season.
“The format of the World Series is so unique. You can’t really have an off-night – or even an off-lap. You have to be digging every lap of every night if you want a shot at the overall championship”, Gresel mused. “This event is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re ready to compete for the Pro Late Model championship”.
Gresel’s 2014 World Series trip has been made possible thanks to support from Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park, HY-Grade Roofing, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Have1.com Printing Services, London Recreational and Sauble Speedway.
By Spencer Lewis
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