Here are a few final notes on the Cabin Fever 40 held on January 31 at Boyd’s Speedway:
Jason Welshan finished 4th in the Cabin Fever Crate LM feature.
A Crate Late Model race that Welshan didn’t win: For most drivers, a solid top-5 finish is something to celebrate. However, it became so commonplace for Jason Welshan to win around the region last season, particularly in the Crate Late Model division, that it almost seems like news when he doesn’t find his way to Victory Lane. The Maryville driver scored a total of 34 wins in 2014 and already has picked up one triumph at the Ice Bowl earlier in January of this year.
After qualifying 4th on Saturday afternoon, Welshan went on to finish the feature in the 4th spot.
Ray Cook set fast time but failed to finish due to engine woes.
Ray Cook quotes Michael Waltrip: If I had to name the two people in racing who are the most diametrically opposed in terms of personality, it would likely be Ray Cook and Michael Waltrip. However, Cook quoted the NASCAR driver turned analyst after his Super Late Model car fell out of the feature race while running 3rd on lap 26.
“As Michael Waltrip says, ‘It was one of those important pieces inside the engine that failed'”. Cook finished a disappointing 17th as a result of the problem after setting fast time in qualifying.
The new scoreboard at Boyd’s Speedway.
New scoreboard at Boyd’s Speedway: Fans at Boyd’s Speedway will enjoy the services of a new scoreboard in 2015. The facility upgrades continue at the Ringgold, GA track as a new pit area concession stand and restroom were added last year.
RCR development driver Ahnna Parkhurst
Ahnna Parkhurst makes her first start since big announcement: Although 14-year-old Ahnna Parkhurst ran a few races at Boyd’s Speedway last season, Saturday’s was her first start since the announcement was made earlier in the week that she had formally signed a driver development contract with NASCAR’s Richard Childress Racing organization.
The former karting star finished 16th in the Crate Late Model feature after qualifying a very respectable 5th.
Grant Pearl drove Randy Weaver’s #116 in the Cabin Fever 40.
Randy Weaver gives up his seat: Although he had an incredibly successful second half of 2014, Crossville’s Randy Weaver gave up his usual seat in the #116 Longhorn to crew member Grant Pearl on Saturday in the Cabin Fever. The move, which had been announced in mid-January, was made to provide a reward for Pearl’s dedicated service to the team. He had previously competed in Crate Late Model races.
Pearl qualified 7th and finished 7th in the Super Late Model division.
The line at the sign in building as 141 drivers showed up for competition.
Drivers meeting delayed… but for a good reason: The drivers meeting had originally been slated to begin at 1:00pm but it didn’t actually occur until around 1:45. However, there was a good reason for the delay. There were so many cars and drivers in the pit area for competition that the extra time was needed to get everyone signed in.
Good crowd: For a cool January day, the crowd at Boyd’s Speedway on Saturday was a good one. That was particularly true of the pit area where many drivers, crew members and fans mingled and enjoyed the day of racing action.
