Website Designed, Hosted and Maintained by RACE22.com
Bassett Gets Title Run Off to a Solid Start with a Fourth Place Finish
Release Prepared by: RACE22.com
Photos Provided by: RACE22.com
Winston-Salem, NC(March 16, 2011) -- Heading into his sophomore season in the UARA-STARS Series, Ronnie Bassett, Jr. was simply looking to finish all the laps and put himself in position to contend for wins.
At Hickory Motor Speedway, "America's Most Famous Short Track", Bassett did just that in the first of sixteen UARA-STARS Series races. Bassett was one of the fastest cars right from the start on Friday in the first series controlled testing session and he carried that speed throughout the weekend.
The young driver from Winston-Salem, NC was competing in his first race with his new team, Fat Head Racing, a team that had six wins in 2010. Bassett was out to prove that he too could get the
As the field was set during qualifying for the UARA 150, Bassett turned in an impressive qualifying time as he put his car in the third position. Bassett was ready to get his season underway and was starting it off exactly like he wanted to.
"I knew we were fast," said Bassett after qualifying. "Qualifying on these cold Goodyears are always tricky, so I'm just glad we were able to turn in such a fast time. I didn't think it would be a third place run, but I knew it was a pretty good lap."
As the race got underway, Bassett was content to ride as the series had a new tire and no one was sure how the tire wear would be in the 150-lap race. Bassett slipped back to fourth and rode for a while, before slipping to fifth and riding a little more. Throughout the race, Bassett maintained his top five position despite having several different contenders working on his rear bumper. Late in the race and despite his car tightening up on him, Bassett slipped back into the fourth position, where he would finish the race.
"We had a great car and I knew if we could keep our nose clean, we would get a great finish," remarked Bassett. "The car started to tighten up there after the halfway point and from there I was just trying to maintain my position. So to come away with a fourth place finish is pretty good for us."
Bassett's fourth place finish gives him a great start on his championship title chase and was impressive considering it was his first time in the car.
"Jamie Yelton and the guys at Fat Head Racing have proven that they're one of the best teams in Late Model racing. Nick(Hutchins) gave me a great car and if it hadn't tightened up there late in the run, I think we would have had something for the leaders."
Bassett and his quest to win the UARA-STARS Series championship will continue at Concord Speedway in Concord, NC on Saturday, March 26th. Bassett will try to keep his momentum going as he takes on one of the fastest and toughest tracks on the UARA-STARS Series.
"I just want to go there(Concord) and have a good run," continued Bassett. "I know my guys will give us a great car, but the competition in this series is extremely competitive. Running up front at every race is a tall task, but I think we have the car and the team to do it, if we just keep having some good luck."
Bassett is supported by K-Guard Gutter Systems, Bassett Gutters and More, Highway 150 Business Center, Marlowe Racing Chassis, Fat Head Racing and Circle Racing Wheels. For more information on Ronnie Bassett, Jr. visit his website at www.ronniebassettjr.com or contact RACE22 Driver Management at 276-613-4208 .
