The oppressive heat at Saturday's
Pro All Star Series (PASS) race held at Orange County Speedway, could
not keep 15 year old John Stancill from his first pole of the season.
With temperatures in the triple digits, racers and their teams struggled
to stay hydrated. John Stancill topped the field by qualifying with a
13.863 lap time.
John and his #20 Chevy team were fast in practice on Friday and
continued to make slight changes in the car in Saturday morning's
practice session. "My crew chief Mark Huff, already had a good setup on
the car when we got here Friday. We just had to make a few minor
changes throughout the day." said Stancill.
In the Pro All Stars Series, the top ten qualifiers draw for position
before the main event begins. The racers are introduced in their
qualifying order but then draw for position from a bag of numbered chips
in front of the crowd to increase the excitement. Stancill drew #3,
therefore he had to move back and start the race in third. The PASS
series also has double file restarts which are very exciting to watch.
Stancill started the race in third position and ran most of the 150 laps
in that position. "My motor was misfiring." said Stancill, "I was
loosing power down the straight-of-way. My car was handling good, but
people were catching me down the straight-of way's. I would pull away
in the turns because the car was so good, my motor was just messing
up." said Stancill after the long hot race. Stancill added, "I am a
little disappointed in finishing 5th. I know a top five is good, but we
had a chance at winning if my motor had not started misfiring."
Temperatures were so hot on Saturday, several drivers complained of
dizziness, headaches, and other heat related symptoms. When asked about
the heat, Stancill replied with a chuckle, "I'm a farmers son, my dad
makes me work in the heat everyday."
For more information on John Stancill log onto his web site at
www.johnstancill.com.
Sponsors are needed for upcoming events. If you would like to be
involved please contact Chris Stancill at 252-227-2747.
