NEWTON, Iowa — Team Cass Racing of Irwindale ,CA with Chris Johnson piloting the # 50 Chevy Impala SS took a wager in the NASCAR Camping World East vs. West, Long John Silver’s 200 at Iowa Speedway over the weekend. With the excitement of trying out a new track, competing with the Camping World East Series, and racing with Kyle Busch the anticipations were on a high.
In speaking with crew chief , Brian Schaeffer, his first priority was to make sure the car turns left he says jokingly , then to go fast and stay out of any wrecks and finish in the top five. Practice day was a good day with a few minor adjustments. Chris comments, “I love these big tracks… I feel so comfortable the car feels great!” “I’m overwhelmed … the hospitality of the track and all the fans at Iowa Speedway by far meets and exceeds any first time driver/team expectations.”
On race day, qualifying results hit a low for the team, with a 34th place start to the race. Chris comments, “I almost lost it , I was trying to lay down my best lap in the first qualifying lap and overdrove the car, which put us in a bad spot.”
After qualifying, the weather attempted to keep all the competitors from competing with winds and rain. So with a slight rain delay and the great efforts of Iowa Speedway drying the track the race got underway.
As the race began, Chris quickly moved up seven spots the first lap. By lap 37 he had moved into 13th position. A backstretch wreck that occurred right in front of Chris on lap 72 was avoided by quick and accurate spotter guidance, along with the right driver response. The caution was thrown, and a handful of teams pitted as Team Cass Racing stayed out.
When the race resumed green on lap 79, Chris Johnson raced hard and had the best run in his career, with leading twenty-nine straight consecutive laps in front of NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, Kyle Busch. Unfortunately, gambling with staying out on last caution and hoping for another caution didn’t pay off. Chris had to pit on lap 104 for fuel.
On the next caution, lap 144, Chris came in again for a fresh set of tires. With a minor delay in the pits, this put Team Cass Racing two laps down. Even with the adversities at hand, Chris wasn’t done yet, as he raced hard gaining positions one by one.
In completion, at the NASCAR Camping World East vs. West, Long Johns Silver’s 200 at Iowa Speedway, Chris Johnson finished 17th overall and 10th in the West standings. Chris received his first award, the Wix Filter lap leader award for leading the most laps (29) in the West.
Speaking with Chris after the race I asked how he felt about his experience here at Iowa Speedway. His reply, “The biggest fear I had was having a wreck in front of me and getting caught up in it.” Earlier after qualifying, a fan gave Chris a hard time about where he qualified. And jokingly he comments with “Keep your eyes on us Scott; I plan on putting on a passing display.”
Owner, Jim Cass said he was pleased after the race. “For being a rookie team, all expectations were exceeded.” “And most teams don’t get the opportunity to have the success we have had in such a short time.”
Team Cass Racing would like to send out a special “Thanks” to The Comfort Inn in Marshalltown, IA. The hospitality exceeded what was expected and had a great experience lodging there.
Next race Team Cass Racing competing in, will be on July 4th at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale in Irwindale , CA for more information regarding this race please visit www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com
