Episode 74
September 28, 2015
Austin Theriault Leads Laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Fort Kent native Austin Theriault made his New England debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. Theriault made it into the third round of qualifiers and started the race ninth.Theriault’s team mate, Tyler Reddick, started 14th and finished 13th.
For Theriault the race had its highs and low points. After starting in the top 10, he slipped back into the mid teens until the first pit stop. A pit crew member was over the wall early. Theriault was assessed a penalty which put him near the back of the pack.
After another pit stop for tires and Sunoco racing fuel Theriault picked off truck after truck working his way forward. When the leaders had to come in for tires and fuel he found himself in first place on lap 122.
After a yellow flag on lap 136 he came out near the front. Lap 161 another yellow was thrown when Kyle Busch was smoking and left a trail of debris along the wall on the front stretch. After the restart Theriault had a tough time with his inside line and slipped back a couple spots and finished 8th just behind Erik Jones in his Toyota.
Theriault Remarks About His Race
After the race I spoke with Austin about his race at what is called his hometrack on the NASCAR Camp World Series.
“We had a pretty decent weekend overall,” said Theriault. “It is very important to qualify up front at Loudon. We did the best we could; we got a top ten starting spot.”
“We had an issue early on with pit road. We had a pit road violation. That is definitely hard to overcome.”
“We kept fighting and we made sure we did not let it get to our heads. If you drive over your head you’ll wash up in the corners and the guys will put you in a bad situation.”
“I made a few mistakes during the race during the race, probably more than a few like any young driver. Chad (Kendrick the crew chief) up on the pit box had a pretty good call. We were able to take fuel and stay out longer. Then the leaders came in. We recycled back and made up a few spots.”
“It’s exciting to lead here at Loudon. I’ve never won here but hopefully have a few more years where I will be able to run here and take home a checkered flag in whatever series I run”
“On the final restart we lost a few spots on the bottom. That was disappointing.”
“We’ve got six more races to go. I’ve got a lot more to learn. I am very fortunate to have Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster come on board with us. A lot of partners came together for my homecoming if you want to call it that.”
The crowd roared it’s support for the Maine driver during introductions prior to the race, “It was really humbling,” said Theriault. “I figured Loudon would be the most attended truck race. I think we had that today. I cannot say it was all because of me, but we have really good fans in New England.”
Miscellaneous New Hampshire photos
County Youngsters Garner Racing Honors
And Finally Kody Swanson News
My friend Kody Swanson clinched the USAC Silver Crown 2015 Championship after finishing second at the Four Crowns Nationals at the famous Eldora Speedway dirt track in Rossburg, Ohio. Swanson was beat by Christopher Bell who won his first career Silver Crown race. Those attending the Oxford 250 will remember Bell in the Kyle Busch Super Late Model sponsored by Toyota.
Hot Off the Press
If you have not heard by now Tony Stewart will be stepping away from Sprint Cup as a driver in 2016. More about this in next weeks episode. Maybe a little trivia about Stewart.
Let’s Go Racing
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria