Rev Racing saw its first win of the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series as Trey Gibson piloted his No. 2 Toyota Camry to a victory and a third place finish in theTwin 50’s at the Hickory Motor Speedway here.
After a good qualifying effort, Gibson stated the night’s first late model event in the seventh position and his Rev Racing teammate, Mackena Bell, rolled off the grid in her best position of the year in fifth. The seventeen-car field ran fifty caution free laps with Gibson making the most movement during therace. By lap 14 Gibson had advanced to fifth. On lap 29 he was in fourth and with thirteen laps remaining Gibson was in third. He would battle the No. 12 of Austin McDaniel who would edge him out at the line for second. Bell would bring her No. 4 Toyota Camry home in sixth.
“We struggled a little in practice, “ said Gibson. “ We made some adjustments and I was able to have my best qualifying effort of the year. I knew I would have to go hard to get to the front but still had to save my tires for the second race. So, coming away with a third, almost a second, was exciting but I knew we had something left.”
Gibson would start the second fifty lapper in fifth position. However, the second race would not be caution free as Bell, who started on the outside of row four in eight, would get too high into turn one and spin out.
“We really had a good car and a good night, “ said Bell. “I hate that I made a mistake on the first lap of the second race. After a good starting position that mistake meant I had to go to therear of the field. I was able to get a top 10 finish but I know it could have been much better. But, I’m really happy for Trey. He drove a great race and the entire Rev Racing team had us both ready to compete for a win.”
Bell and Gibson would battle the field for the remainder of the race and with ten laps to go would find themselvesstill inside the top 10 with Gibson in second and Bell in ninth.
The night’s second and final caution would come on lap 42 and provide Gibson the break he needed to go for the win. He would battle the No. 97 of Keith Bumgarner for the next five laps and eventually take over the lead for good on lap 47.
It would mark Gibson’s first win at Hickory Motor Speedway and his first win as a driver for Rev Racing.
“First of all, I couldn’t have done this without the help of the Good Lord, Rev Racing, and our partners like Toyota, Mobil 1, JRI, 3M, Lithium Pro Batteries, “ said Gibson.
“We have a great chemistry, leadership and great support this year,” added Gibson. “My crew chief (Danny Johnson) and team are giving me a great car week in and week out. I can’t wait until next weekend!”
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