It was “Drive and Determination” for Branden Underwood who earned his first Victory Win in the ASA Truck Series at Havasu 95 Speedway this past weekend.
"I saw the green flag drop I did everything I could to keep my race truck in the lead!"— Branden Underwood
The 18 year old from Henderson, Nevada and Freshman student at UNLV College qualified 5th, just 2 tenths behind the pole sitter. Showing up on Saturday race day due to cost saving measures and missing Friday’s practice, Branden ran a couple practice sessions to get his #28 Dodge Dakota race ready. After qualifying 5th Branden’s Crew Chief Dana Stahl decided to make some modifications to his race truck for the main event.
The ASA Race director inverted the racing field of 9 trucks for the main event, Branden started 2nd off pole with his #28 Dodge Dakota. As the main event race started, Branden stated, “I saw the green flag drop I did everything I could to keep my race truck in the lead! I had several drivers try to take the lead from me as they hit my rear left side of my truck to get me loose. I really wanted this bad and I just drove hard to stay in front of everyone!” The first caution flag came out early on lap 3, the trucks restarted and Branden was able to maintain his lead, he was the only driver to use the high groove all race! The white flag came out as two trucks tried to pass Branden for the lead and it was #28 Dodge Dakota coming across the finish line first! It was shear drive and determination for this young driver to win this past weekend at the Havasu 95 Speedway. Branden had fastest lap time of the race with a 16.258 and lead all 50 laps to obtain his first Victory Win!
Coming into victory circle Branden had the biggest smile and was asked by the announcer how he felt? “I wanted this win really bad, and it never felt so good, and I couldn’t of done it without the help of my Crew Chief Dana Stahl my Dad and my spotter Cary Mean to obtain this Victory!” After finishing first place, Branden moved up into third place in the ASA Truck Series points with 28 points behind the leader going into the last race of the year.
Underwood Racing would like to give special thanks to Dana Stahl, Cary Mean, Lee Keach and Sponsors Dad, Brendan Gaughan Motorsports, Patricks Signs, M & M Labor and Prestige Plumbing. For Sponsorship opportunities please contact KerriU@aol.com. Next ASA Truck race on October 29, 2011 at Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe California,
