Matt Scott from Pine Grove, CA began the 2011 NASCAR Whelen Series just like he ended the 2010 season, by winning. Matt started his career racing in the American Quarter Midget Association and has moved quickly up the ranks. At 18 years old, Matt was the track champion at Roseville’s All American Speedway, the youngest in the history of the track. Last season, in the Whelen All American Series he was ranked 60th in the nation and 3rd in California. This week Matt’s picture made it to the NASCAR Home Tracks website in the winner’s photo gallery, see it here.
Rounding out the Top 5 in last Friday’s race were: Ron Chunn from Roseville, driver of the #44 car for C & H Racing, Gary Glenn from Orangevale, Juan Pitta from Galt, and in 5th place, Chris Scribner from Loomis. The following is a press release from Blakesley Sports Media about the April 15th race.
PINE GROVE, CALIFORNIA (April 19, 2011) – 2010 All American Speedway track champion Matt Scott kicked off his 2010 NASCAR California State title race with a win in the “A-All Mini Storage 100” driving his #35 BJB Enterprises / RPM NorCal / Karp Capital Chevrolet.
The 19 year-old driver picked up his 14th career NASCAR victory in just 58 starts in the division.
19 cars flocked to the All American Speedway one-third mile for the special season opener. The race was held before a huge crowd as a precursor to Saturday night’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West action.
Scott shined under the spotlight, setting fast-time in qualifying and starting fifth after a five car invert.
The fifth starting spot didn’t slow Scott down, as he rocketed to third quickly. Scott slid underneath both 2009 champion Jason Romero and Zane Lovelace, Jr. coming down the backstretch to take the lead at lap seven.
Romero and Scott made contact coming into turn one, sending Scott at a four-wheel drift at a 90 degree angle.
But Scott gathered the car up with a strong save while Romero backed off the gas. During a prolonged green flag run, Scott extended his lead to a quarter track at one point. Scott held off a few challenges on late restarts to claim the big victory.
“The Hoosier tire rubber laid down by the tour cars meant that it took about eight laps for the track to come in,” Scott said. “I drove hard the first few laps to get the lead then I dialed it back about 70 or 80%”
Scott credited the victory to his crew especially with a special thanks to RPM NorCal’s Gary Quigley. Quigley’s shop houses the #35 car and sponsored three of the top-four finishing Late Models on Friday.
“We gave the trophy to Gary and Marcie for all of their help,” Scott said. “The support of RPM NorCal really really helps us a lot and I think the trophy will look really nice in their shop.
Matt Scott Racing will return to action for the second points race of the season on April 30.
Matt Scott Racing is sponsored by BJB Enterprises, Inc., RPM NorCal, Karp Capital, Kamps Propane, Jimboy’s Tacos, CatchYourEye.com, Halm Metal Fab, Pardee Lake Recreation, DoubleTree Hotel Monrovia, Hobbs Construction, T.A.S. Construction, Sumseeds, Red Corral Auto, and Blakesley Sports Media.
Additional sponsorships are available for both TOYOTA Speedway and All American Speedway NASCAR Late Model efforts. Matt Scott Racing is also actively pursuing opportunities to race in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West in 2011.
Race fans can learn more about Matt Scott Racing at www.mattscottracing.com or “Matt Scott Racing” on Facebook.