For Third generation driver Enrique Contreras III it has been a Hard Road to the 2011 NASCAR Mexico Rookie of the Year Award. The season began with a road race in Monterrey Mexico where a grinding practice crash completely destroyed his primary car, then 2 weeks later at the 1/2 mile San Luis Petosi oval the 18 year old competitor was caught up in a late race restart crash that severely damaged his brand new car. After 2 races Enrique found himself at the bottom of the 7 declared rookie candidates in the NMCSPT ROTY program, that said the young driver reeled off 8 top rookie finishes in the next 10 races to secure the Title with 2 races yet remaining. Contreras also has 2 top ten qualifying efforts in the 12 starts thus far this season. Again it was no cake walk this past weekend, Contreras's car developed engine problems during the first practice session and was relegated to a 30th place starting positon via a provisional. Enrique showed the maturity of a veteran driver as he patiently worked his way through the field to an 11th place finish behind his famous Uncle Motorcraft Ford driver Carlos Contreras, ironically at the very same rough and tumble flat SLP 1/2 mile oval. This past week Enrique also participated in the NASCAR D4D progran in Virginia where he laid down the best time of the 4 Mexican drivers invited as well as besting many other participants who were evaluated on a number of competiton related levels. The future looks bright for Enrique III or "Keke" as friends and family call him. He would like to thank his "Papa" Enrique Jr. a former multiple Formula Car Champion and current NASCAR Mexico Series Director, his Mother and sister. The Big Bola Casino/Motul Lubricants Team, K&N Filters and most of all the fans of the NASCAR Mexico Corona Series presented by Toyota.
