NEW SMYYRNA, FL - The Hooker Brothers Team arrived at the track (New Smyrna Speedway) after a night off from racing, however, they did get their fix of speed as they went to watch the late models run at the dirt track in Volusia. The #38 Lucas Oil Chevy was handling well during practice and Kirk was very happy with the car so the crew returned to the condo where they enjoyed an afternoon around the pool and in the hot tub under the hot Florida sunshine. After a good mid afternoon meal at a local Italian restaurant, they returned to the track to ready for their race that was to run as the last feature of the evening.
Kirk Lined up in the 6th starting position in the dwindling 14 car field for the 25 lap feature behind the #08, #4b, #26x, #26 and the #2. Taking the green flag on the outside row, the #63 was able to get a run on the first lap putting Kirk back to 7th however; Kirk was able to get in behind him and thus protect the inside lane from oncoming cars.
The #08 pulled well ahead of the field followed by the #4b and then a gaggle of cars that were in a group fighting for position through lap 5. On the 10th lap, the #08 increased his lead on the pack as the #63 who passed Kirk on the first lap had moved through the field and passed the #4b for second. At the half way mark, Kirk was still running 7th and keeping up with the lead cars as the #119 behind him posed no threat for the position.
The #38 Ray Mac Chevy started to feel out the #26x for a pass with 10 laps to go and just as it looked like the opponent was getting higher on the track in the corners to allow Kirk to get under her for 6th, the caution came out for the #26 who got into the #4b coming off of turn two, sending the two front runners to the back of the field and putting the #38 up to 5th. Eleven cars remained for the restart with the #08 leading the field followed by the #63, #2, #26x and the #38. The remaining laps were caution free and the field remained unchanged as the #08 took the checkered flag with the #38 Chrysler Shillington Chevy finishing 5th uncontested from behind.
Kirk was very happy with the car and with a little luck felt like they could move up for a top three finish before the end of the 9 nights of racing at the 1/2 mile Florida speedway. The crew quickly went to work recording tire temperatures and pressures that would be analyzed for possible adjustments that could better that cars performance for the next night of racing. Large hunks of soft rubber from the track were cleaned off the cars chassis and due to a quick night of racing with very few cautions in all classes, the crew were able to load the car in the trailer and get back to their local watering hole at Pub 44 before returning to the condo at a reasonable hour despite being the last race of the night.
From Ken Spira
