CARSON CITY, Nv — 18 year-old Bobby Hodges claimed his eight top-five in nine starts, along with earning second in the Tri-Holiday Series, Saturday at Altamont Raceway Park in Tracy, Calif.
After running as high as second, Hodges finished in a solid fourth place.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series & Westcar Late Model Series-sanctioned racing was the third round in the Tri-Holiday Series, with 100 laps on the half-mile scheduled.
Hodges has maintained an outstanding average finish of third against fields around 30 cars throughout 2008. The runs have put him in second in the Westcar Late Model standings.
Hodges timed in eighth fast against the 29 car turnout, and quickly found his way to second in the race.
The closely fought Tri-Holiday championship was between Hodges and race leader Tim Spurgeon of Danville.
Hodges made a run at Spurgeon on a mid-race restart, but was forced high after checking up. This allowed Guy Guibor to slip by and take second.
“I learned a lot about what it takes to win a championship,” Hodges said. “I got a taste of that intensity. I was caught in the moment and knew I had to get by him but made a mistake.”
As the car faded late in the race, Hodges let track points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton past him, thinking Gilbert might have a shot at taking the win.
Gilbert, who had raced through the field twice, in fact had little left and the pair was forced to settle for third and fourth at the line.
“This weekend left a sour taste in my mouth because I felt like we could have done better,” Hodges said.
The young driver now has three-to-four races remaining on his schedule, still eager to get his first Late Model win.
“We’ve had a great season,” Hodges said. “It’s been unbelievable being in competition for wins. It feels like every weekend I’m asked ‘When are you going to get this first win?’”
Hodges currently leads the Big Dog standings at Altamont, with that three race series wrapping up October 4th and 5th.
He is also ranked right outside the top 200 in the national NASCAR rankings, despite running half the races.
Hodges hopes that the Saturday September 6 50 lap NASCAR race at Altamont holds the key to his first main event victory.
Racing action kicks off early with support division heat races at 2 p.m. The Late Model feature is expected to start by 4 p.m.
