IRWINDALE, California — On the cool September 17th night, Brandon Davis had one thing on his mind: winning the championship. After a season of mostly ups, the #55 High Point Racing Late Model was prepped for one last pair of races at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale to determine the 2011 champion. With the calculators cranking and the pencils wearing thin, Brandon knew that a win in race one would secure the championship.
"He went on to put down a lap well over a tenth faster than the competition and the only to break into the 95 mile per hour lap average range. "
Per usual for Davis, the day was already looking like a triumphant one as he entered the track for first practice. Putting down the fastest lap by over a tenth of a second ahead of the field with ease, Brandon knew the #55 was ready to roll. In qualifying, he went on to put down a lap well over a tenth faster than the competition and the only to break into the 95 mile per hour lap average range. The inverts were rolled and Davis was set to start on the point in the first race and back in fifth for the second race.
Race one was set to start early in the evening and Davis knew exactly what he needed to do. With a field of twenty cars, a win would solidify his championship run no matter what second place in points Minch did. In a fashion the fans have seen all year, once the green flag flew the #55 took off. Being a double race night, the first race was calm with little contact. The cooperation among competitors allowed for an all green 30 lap race that saw Davis cross the line in first place with a 48 point lead over Miinch. With 20 cars, the maximum points possibly gained is 38, therefore all Davis had to do in race two was start.
In the second twin race, the green flag flew with Davis starting in the fifth spot. Upon his car crossing the line, he was officially the 2011 Auto Club Late Model champion. This race came with its complications, including a wreck on lap one that caused a full restart. Throughout the 30 lap main event, there were a total of three yellows including a huge piece of debris Brandon had to avoid on the front stretch. With the engine going sour near the end of the race, Davis still managed to finish third and celebrate in burning rubber style. He lit up the tires and sent the smoke of victory into the night sky, getting the traditional champagne shower upon the exit of his ride.
The championship marks the sixth for the High Point Racing team. There will be plenty to watch with Brandon Davis in the future, but no plans have been finalized as of yet. Keep an eye out for this talented driver in 2012.
