Rain soaked practice makes for successful first race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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In: Xfinity Series News

 

After Friday’s wash-out practice day, Hal Martin and other NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers had a single 45 minute practice session on Saturday in which to learn the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “Without a doubt I had to learn this track quickly. I knew the track conditions were going to change as the weather changed so I made it my goal to learn the track layout – getting through the bumps without sacrificing corner speed was key.”
 
Hal Martin’s No.44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry showed promise after starting in 14th position based on 2012 owner points. Both car and driver battled being loose during the event at various times throughout the race. Hal was able to avoid several wrecks and finish the race with an undamaged car and a top 25 finish. Hal is currently in 18th in driver point standings
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Hal Martin on Las Vegas Motor Speedway
 
Weather played a major factor in the race weekend, how were you effected?
Hal stated: “We were scheduled to have two long practice sessions on Friday, but the weather had other ideas. Our team had a long ist of changes that we wanted to go through to really get a good feel for the way this chassis reacted to a mile and a half race track. Unfortunately, we were unable to take advantage of testing due to the weather.” All drivers in the Nationwide Series stayed at the track Friday hoping for weather conditions to improve so they could get some track time. However, the drivers were only able to get in 3 or so laps under caution before the rains returned in the evening. “Since it was my first time racing at this track I was really looking forward to having that time in the car, but I guess lady luck wasn’t on our side in Vegas.”
 
This was your first time racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, what did you think?
When thinking about his race this weekend, Hal stated “I was surprised how similar Las Vegas Motor Speedway was to Kansas Speedway. Both tracks are 1.5 miles, but in addition to that the corner layouts at both tracks are surprisingly similar.”
 
Memorable Vegas Moments
Hal Martin and the rest of the TriStar Motorsports stable stayed in Las Vegas in the week leading up to the Sams Town 300 race on Saturday. During the week, Hal and team were able to spend time relaxing and taking
in the sights and sounds.
 
“During my stay in Veags I attended two autograph sessions, one at the D Hotel and the other at The Plaza Hotel both on Fremont Street. It was a nice opportunity to meet local fans who were pumped up for the race on Saturday. I also took my team out for dinner, did some gambling and saw the Cirque Du Soleil show, O, at The Bellagio- it was awesome.”
 
Looking Forward
What’s next for Hal Martin
After a busy two weeks out West, Hal Martin and the TriStar Motorsports No.44 American Custom Yachts Toyota Camry team are excited to be heading back East to compete in the Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 taking place in Bristol, TN. The race will take place on Saturday March 16th at 2pm/EST and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
 
Girl Firday PR

 

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