LAS VEGAS, Nevada — American oval track up-and-comer Joey Licata Jr. resumed his pursuit of the ASA Speed Truck Challenge on Saturday (September 5), scoring a third place result at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring. The podium finishes places the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle development driver in a tie for the championship lead entering the final stages of the 2009 season.
"Licata is a real talent. He showed that tonight with his hard charging driving style taking him to the front."— Ron Sutton
Licata Jr. commenced the seventh event of ASA Speed Truck season in fine fashion, turning among the fastest times during Friday night and Saturday morning practice. That trend continued when single-truck qualifying got underway on the 3/8-mile oval, with the No. 71 United Nissan/G2 Graphic Service/Chevy Colorado posting the second fastest time (16.17). With the inverted field rule, this resulted in a fourth place starting position for Licata Jr. in Las Vegas.
After a short break to discuss and make any setup changes, Licata Jr. was back behind the wheel for the 100-lap race. For the former multiple IKF Grand National karting champion, the goal early on was to keep his nose clean and work his way towards the front. After initially falling back to fifth place, Licata Jr. began making his move, advancing up to second before the 25-lap mark.
Once in second place, he began looking for the right opportunity to pass for the lead. That chance came following a great run off of turn two, as Licata Jr. got to the inside of the race leader in turns three and four. Unfortunately light contact soon ensued, with the leader spinning out. As a result, Licata Jr. was sent to the rear of the 17-car field.
On the ensuing restart, the Van Nuys, Calif., driver put the incident behind him and began what would ultimately be a stunning charge back to the front. By lap 71, Licata Jr. was once again among the lead pack in fifth. Licata Jr. was in third three laps later, having executed a picture perfect pass of both third and fourth place in turn three. While the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver closed the distance to the lead duo in the closing stages, he never got within striking distance, taking the checkered flag in third place.
“Licata is a real talent,” said driver coach Ron Sutton. “He showed that tonight with his hard charging driving style taking him to the front. We’re excited that Joey is tied in the season long battle for the championship.”
The 2009 ASA Speed Truck Challenge season resumes for Licata Jr. on September 26, with Round Eight at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. Entering the event, Licata Jr. is tied for the championship lead.
For direct contact, please email Joey Licata Jr. at jlicata@socal.rr.com
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About Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle:
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is an established talent scout and development program, providing long term, comprehensive racing and career development for up and coming drivers focused on NASCAR careers. RSWC drivers are raced, coached, groomed, trained and molded, within a professional racing environment, into what top pro teams look for when hiring drivers. Drivers involved in the program race in a variety of cars, including USAC Junior Ford Focus Midgets, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, USAC Midgets, USAC Sprint cars, Skip Barber Race Series, SCCA Club Racing Formula Ford and F2000, NASCAR Grand American Modifieds, NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars and NASCAR Grand National cars.
