IRWINDALE, California — Jason Fensler of Elk Grove, Ca paired up with local race team of Irwindale, Ca; TCR (Team Cass Racing) to mix it up in the prestigious 8th annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown event at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale. Of the 46 K&N Pro Series competitors that entered, only 40 were able to field the race upon qualifying. Jason was one of the drivers that had to qualify in. With a time of 18.513 he was definitely in, holding the 7th starting position.
In an interview after his qualifying run, he was asked what he thought. “My crew chief Roger Bracken, freed it up for qualifying, I thought we went a little too far, but now it’s solid” stated Jason. The program of TCR is really good – I’m excited more now especially after qualifying and having more time in the car. I believe we can honestly contend for a top 5 finish.
The first three laps went smooth, until lap four when the first caution was brought out by a competitor’s blown engine. By the end of the first scheduled 10 minute race break, there were already three red flags and three yellows. Jason Fensler was unfortunately caught up in one of those yellows on lap 51, as he was battling for the second position from Wallace. Both Wallace and Fensler spun avoiding a wreck in front of them. Fensler’s quick reflexes kept him out of trouble and still on the lead lap, dropping back to the 20th position.
The second half of the race went well for most of the competitors, with only two small yellows. They say that the last 25 laps is where the check is written, and it is when you get up on the throttle and go. This being said is what Jason Fensler did, battling his way into 8th position on lap 206, when Thorn #44 slid up in to Harraka #12 causing him to spin forcing the pac to scatter, ending in a multi-car wreck. Jason Fensler went low to avoid the incident, only to be caught up with a few other competitors ending his race just short for the night. This caused the second red flag. The final lead changed occurred with only seven laps to go, when race leader Greg Pursley #26 started to get a flat tire, opening up the door for Jason Bowels #75 to take the lead and win his first Toyota All-Star Shown.
The race took 1 hr. and 59 min. long; with a total of 8 yellows and 3 red flags. The #50 TCR/Facebook Fan Car, piloted by Jason Fensler of which qualified 7th, finished the event in 28th.
I had the opportunity to get the after thoughts of the owners, Jim and Terri Cass, which were expressed as complete gratitude of how well everyone gelled together being a new team. They were also extremely pleased with Crew chief Roger Bracken and Jason’s driving abilities.
Speaking with crew chief Roger Bracken, he expressed how pleased he was; “The whole event was a highlight, team worked well, tech was good, and all was just very smooth and that made me very happy.” “Everything met my expectations, It was unfortunate how the race ended, I believe that we had a top 5 car”.
Final thoughts from driver Jason Fensler: “I Can't Thank Jim and Terri Cass and the entire Cass family enough for giving the opportunity to drive for their team. The Toyota All-Star Showdown brings some of the best drivers from around the country and to be a part of such big event means a lot. I knew after testing a week before the race we had a good race car and reuniting with Roger Bracken as crew chief gave me huge confidence coming into the Showdown. I am very happy with the performance from the showdown. The results don’t show how good of a car we had, but I was very happy to be a contender of the biggest race of the year for the K&N Pro Series”.
TCR would like to thank their sponsors: Facebook Fan Car – Bryan Cochran, Jeanie and Bob Davis, Timothy Nunn, Olivea Sibus, David Kaylor, Anthony Kaylor, Kayci Phillips, The Dunleavy’s and Pete Savaria for individuals. For businesses, TrackSmack with Dawn Murphy, Swoish Produce, Snap On Tools/ Timothy Williams, and The David Cass family.
Simple Green – Theresa Provolt, additional information on Simple Green products can be found on their website at www.simplegreen.com
MTFX Graphics – Marc Turnovsky, for additional information please visit: http://mtfxgraphics.com
For additional information and sponsorship opportunities regarding TCR please visit: www.teamcassracing.com
