3/27/2017
Hardy Picks Up Decisive Win at Central Arizona Speedway
(Image Credit: Ben Thrasher)
26 Promotions – Casa Grande, AZ – (March 27th, 2017) – Colton Hardy was back in action Saturday night and looked to improve upon his early 2-point lead in the point standings while continuing his streak of podium finishes as the ASCS Southwest Region headed to Central Arizona Speedway in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Hardy’s night would get off to a bit of a troubling start when a nozzle line blew at the end of hot laps. Hardy and crew were able to get the repairs made once the car was pushed back to the pits and he was able to fire off for his heat race where he would start and finish 2nd on a hooked up, locked down track that didn’t allow for much passing.
The result put Hardy 7th in passing points and in the draw. Hardy would draw the 1 and start on the pole for the 25-lap feature.
“We changed quite a bit on the car for the feature,” said Hardy. “We usually get a lap or two of hot laps before the Main, but this time we didn’t due to the night running long. So, we never got a good feel of the track or the changes we made to the car before we went green.”
It would take 3 attempts to get the first green lap completed due to cautions. Right after the leaders crossed the line to complete the first lap, the red flag would be displayed for a wreck exiting turn 4. Everyone walked away from the crash.
Once the Main got going, it was all Hardy out front. He’d jump out to almost a straightaway lead, eventually opening to 4.3 seconds over the 2016 Series Champion, Rick Zeihl, with 10 laps to go.
“The car was fantastic in both corners,” explained Hardy. “With one being a little slicker than the other, it stuck and launched no matter where I put it.”
The lead would be cut in half as Hardy worked lapped traffic, but once he was clear, the lead would balloon back up to over 4 seconds.
“I knew if I stayed patient and hit my marks with lappers in front of me I would be able to get around them pretty quick,” he said. “Besides the start, I never really felt any pressure from behind me which is nice when working lap cars.”
Hardy’s lead would eventually increase to over 6.7 seconds as he crossed the line with the checker flags waving, allowing him to pick up his first win of 2017, and his first ASCS Southwest Region win at Central Arizona Speedway.
“I can’t thank Ted enough for the opportunity to drive the car and Nate, AJ, Randy and Aaron for helping on the car all night and getting it perfect for the feature,” said Hardy.
Hardy takes a 41-point lead in the standings to Las Cruces, New Mexico as the ASCS Southwest Region makes their first of two appearances at the Southern New Mexico Speedway Friday, March 31st, and Saturday, April 1st. Racingboys.com will have free live audio available for anyone unable to attend the events.
Colton Hardy would like to thank Diamond Mechanical, M & J Trophies, Mark’s Nuts & Bolts, Elite Technical Coatings, CSI Shocks, F.S.C, NAPA Auto & Truck Parts, Borrello Race Engines, A & C Remodeling, Engler Machine & Tools and Simpson Race Products for all their support.
Results:
Heat: 2nd -> 2nd
Feature: 1st -> 1st
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colton.hardy41
Twitter: https://twitter.com/colton_hardy41
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colton_hardy41/
Website: http://www.coltonhardy.com/
Article Credit: 26 Promotions
