On Saturday March 28th the Lucas Oil Modified Series started with race #1 at Havasu Speedway. Rookie new comer Austin Barnes who had just turned 14 two weeks earlier and was finally old enough to be eligible to start his first Lucas Oil Modified Series race against 29 of the best modified drivers on the west coast. Saturday afternoon qualifying began with Andrew Phipps Multi time race winner laying down a 15.78, 28 drivers later Austin Barnes in his # 51A STR short track racing modified crewed by builder Steve Teets and Tedd Barnes knocked down a 15.83 to qualify 2nd just .05 off the pole.
"Maybe without the invert I could have done better but I gave it my best and I was happy to place this high against some of the best drivers on the west coast."— Austin Barnes
The first race of the season had an invert of eight so Austin and Andrew started 7th and 8th. The first twenty laps were unbelievable with a four row two wide pack that you could not separate. After thirty five the field started to spread out and Austin was able to make his way up to 5th place just behind Andrew Phipps when the seventy five lap main event ended. "He couldn't have done any better and I am so proud." Stated his dad Tedd Barnes after the race.
"Maybe without the invert I could have done better but I gave it my best and I was happy to place this high against some of the best drivers on the west coast." said Austin
Austin would like to thank his sponsors About Service Automotive Repair Center, SanDiego.com, Electrotech Powder Coating, STR Short Track Race Cars, Vision Designs, Automobile Club of Southern California, and the Lucas Oil Modified Series.
Visit Austin on line at: austinbarnesracing.com
