BAKERSFIELD, California -- Rookie David Mayhew from Atascadero, Calif., started the day off with one goal in mind, win the championship. To clinch the championship Mayhew only had to start the main and complete one lap.
" Going into the night all that we wanted to do was get that championship" Mayhew stated. " I have also been working real hard to get the track record as well, we came up a little short last week but hope to get it this week."
The 22-year-old rookie started the day by qualifying on pole for the fourth time this year. Mayhew shattered the track record be nearly two tenths of a second with a time of 19.56. The old track record was 19.74 by Devlin Autry.
" To get the track record in the last night of competition was great," Mayhew said. " I have been trying to get the record but never thought that we could go that fast, especially with only two new tires on the car. I just have one more goal for tonight, get that championship."
Mayhew pulled a seven for the invert. Starting in the seventh spot Mayhew just had to be careful for the first lap and then could go racing. That he did, and with taking the green on lap 2 he clinched the championship. This was the first time a rookie has won the championship at Mesa Marin. With the race still to go, Mayhew set his sights toward the front. By lap 29 Mayhew was up to third place but fighting the car a little. Pushing hard to get by second place, Mayhew hounded Colby Bankston of Bakersfield the entire race but couldn’t find a way by and finished in third place.
This wasn’t how Mayhew wanted to end the season but he did what he needed, and more. The rookie ended the season with more than anyone could imagine. He took Rookie of the Year honors, Track Champion honors, Track Record honors, as well as eight wins, 14 top three finishes, four poles, and 17 top tens out of the 18 races he started this year. Mayhew is also sitting third in the Sunbelt region and will find out soon if they kept that spot.
" We have accomplished way more this year than anyone expected," Mayhew stated. " We had the goal to get Rookie of the Year and win a race, I still can’t believe what we have done. It’s a great day for us as a team, we couldn’t have done it without all the great help we have received all year long. I really have to thank everyone that has helped."
"The team has grown a tremendous amount this year with only a few having any kind of racing experience at all, nobody had any stock car experience. They have proved to be a great bunch of guys and without the commitment from them, none of this could have been possible. There have also been a couple of guys that have gone out of their way to help the team learn and show them how things are supposed to be done. Allen Montes, Mark Reed, Rick Grissom, and Craig Raudman have all been there for every question that we have had and we can’t thank them enough." Stated Mayhew.
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 Supply, 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
