BAKERSFIELD, California -- Rookie David Mayhew from Atascadero, Calif., took his seventh and eighth NASCAR Late Model victories of the season this past Saturday night in the twin mains at Mesa Marin raceway. The twin 40-lap main event wins helped him stretch his point’s lead, which now stands with Mayhew on top by 48 points. With only one race to go, Mayhew only has to start the main to be the first rookie to win the point championship at Mesa Marin raceway.
"The car was outstanding tonight and that showed with our best qualifying time ever," stated Mayhew. "I was just looking to keep the car clean tonight and think about points."
The 22-year-old rookie started the night by taking fast time in qualifying with a blistering 19.770, only .03 off of the track record. Mayhew then started on the outside pole for the first main event. Mayhew quickly gapped the field after taking the green. Catching lap traffic, Mayhew showed patients and worked his way through without a hitch. There were a couple of yellow flags that slowed the main down but Mayhew was just to strong and would stretch the lead on every lap. This win was the seventh of the year for the rookie.
"The car was so good tonight that once we were in front we could save the car for the second race. I wanted the car to be in one piece knowing we had another main to race later." Mayhew said.
For the Second race of the night Mayhew was inverted to the fourth starting spot. He then made the dash forward and was sitting in second by lap 10. Taking his time, he took the final pass for the lead on lap 24 over track record holder Devlin Autry. Mayhew continued on in dominating fashion to win his second race of the night and eighth of the year. With this win he extended his points lead to 48 points over Josh Horn. This was his sixth win in the last seven races, and he now has 13 top three finishes in the 17 starts this year.
The talented young rookie has locked in the Rookie of the Year honors and only must start the final race to win the track championship. This is something that has never been done at Mesa Marin Raceway.
" I am really happy with how everything has gone this year," Mayhew said. " The team has learned a ton this year, none of us had any stock car experience going into this year and that makes it just that much sweeter, I just can’t wait to take the green flag this weekend!"
Mayhew is contending in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series’ Sunbelt Region points championship. With these wins the team is happy to move up in the standings and hopes to finish in the top 3.
The next race for the DMI team will be this weekend for the Season Finale.
The team would like to thank the following sponsors: Victory Circle, Penda Truck Accessories, Wells Fargo, Champs BBQ and Catering, R&S Electric, Cooley Construction, Superior Crane, Apex Auto Glass, Stockdale Tile, 7’s Only, Sampson Communication, Photos by Randall, A&R Welding, and Steve Ferrario of the Real Estate Group. We would also like to thank the following individuals for all their help as well: Allen Montes, Mark Reed, Craig/Les/RG of VC, Jim Watkins, Bill Maropulos, Robert Davis, Charlie Buzzetti, Paul Perez, Keith Vandam, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle, Bobby B, and the entire crew.
For More information on the #26 NASCAR late model of David Mayhew please look at www.davidmayhewindustries.com, and for race information and points standings go to www.mesamarin.com
