After a strong run at Thompson in the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series season opener that ended in disappointment, Donny and the crew headed to Stafford for the Spring Sizzler determined to erase those memories. Saturday started on a good note, but a rare miscue by the driver quickly sent things spiraling downward. It was a fall they could not halt and the weekend proved to be another frustrating experience.
Upon unloading the car from the trailer and heading out for practice, the LMI# 18 was clocked as one of the fastest cars on the track. But later in practice Donny hit the wall, causing extensive damage to the car. Crew chief Kevin Crowley headed up a hurried repair but when the car went out for time trials it was still clearly off the mark. Donny could muster no better than 24th fastest. After qualifying the crew went back to work hoping to improve on the car’s performance.
In Sunday’s race it was obvious right from the start the racecar was still not right and Donny struggled all day. Running back in the field you are always fighting to stay alive and Donny dodged his share of mishaps along the way. At the checkered flag the best he could muster was a disappointing 20th place finish. Donny was quick to accept blame for the poor showing.
“The guys worked hard all week getting the car ready and when we went out for practice it was just awesome. Our lap times were as quick as any other car out there. Then I got into the wall and really messed it up. It was my fault. The guys worked the rest of the weekend trying to get it straightened out the best they could, but it wasn’t something we could fix here at the track. We struggled all day and ended up 20th. When I think back to how good we were when we first got here, I can’t help but be disappointed.
“But there are some good signs as well. The crew is really mashing together and they work very hard to give me a good racecar. I’m encouraged by what they’ve been able to do so far. These guys have only been together as a team for a few weeks and already you can see just how good they are. As they get more time together it will only get better. I’m confident we’re going to be a contender each week and we’re going to be capable of winning races. It’s up to me to make that a reality. This weekend I let them down but I won’t let that happen again.”
