MADERA, California -- HPS/Victory Circle Racing, Bakersfield, CA - Craig Raudman, driving the HPS/Victory Circle Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo, set the pace for the AutoZone 125, NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series event at Madera Speedway on Saturday, March 13th, with a qualifying lap of 14.717.
Raudman’s draw for the invert started him 10th on the grid, nearly half way through the field of 22 cars. “I would have to say that drawing for the invert is way more stressful than trying to turn the fastest lap,” stated Raudman.
When the first caution flew at lap 43, Raudman had raced his way into the third position. During this caution Craig was able to plug his radio in so he could gain communication with his crew chief and spotter. Raudman commented, “glad to have you back with me, I was wondering why you didn’t tell me to go, go, go at the green!”
By lap 55, Raudman had moved into the 2nd position and for the next several laps battled for this position with ultimate race winner, Jim Pettit. “Craig and Jim were putting on a great show for the fans, they raced hard and clean,” said Raudman’s car owner and spotter, Les DenHerder.
Due to a late race incident with a lapped car, Raudman finished seventh. “We had a great car. I’m not sure how much we had for Pettit, but we definitely had a first or second place car all day,” said Raudman.
The next scheduled event for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series is the Star Nursery 150 to be held at the ½ mile Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, CA on March 28th. Raudman, currently 4th in the point standings, looks to continue his charge to a second series title.
