Post by LMR on 04/28/11 at 5:09pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2011
Chris Ferguson Finishes Third in Ultimate at Volunteer Speedway;
Takes Over Ultimate Series Points Lead
Mount Holly, North Carolina – Putting a very tough previous weekend of racing behind him, Chris Ferguson rebounded on Saturday night at Volunteer Speedway in a big way. Affectionately known as “The Gap” Volunteer Speedway, located in Bulls Gap, Tennessee is well know for it’s high banks and lightning fast speeds. The Ultimate Late Model Series made it’s first ever visit to “The Gap” on Saturday night for a $10,000 to win / 75 lap event. Ferguson kicked off the evening in great fashion by topping the other thirty-one entrants in time trials to claim the Shell Racing Solutions Fast Time Award. Ferguson’s lap of 12.449 seconds placed him on the pole for the first of four ten-lap heat races.
“We had a great lap. The car felt very comfortable and I knew we were going to at least be in the top five. So I was very happy to wind up fastest overall. There was a ton of talented guys there. Bloomquist, Owens, Cook, Madden and the list could go on and on. Going there a couple weeks back really helped us be better prepared and I think that showed with how we ran. We were definitely excited about going back up there. We had a good car that night and we got turned around running third. So I was confident that we were going to be in good shape for the Ultimate race.” Ferguson said.
Ferguson lined-up for heat number one with 3-time and reigning Southern All Stars East Champion Casey Roberts to his outside. At the start of the heat Roberts was able to get the jump to take the lead. “The outside was the better line for starts. The Gap is just such a big momentum-type racetrack you really needed to be out there to get going. So Casey was able to get the lead. But I believed I could race my way back into the lead and that’s just what I was able to do.” Ferguson added. Ferguson flashed by Roberts to take the point on the second lap of the heat and then led the final 8 circuits to take the win and put himself on the pole for the seventy-five-lap feature.
Ferguson and veteran Jimmy Owens led the field to green for the feature. It was Owens who took control of the event with Ferguson following closely. “Jimmy beat us on the start. I tried to race him on the bottom but slid up high through (turns) 3 and 4 and he drove away. Jimmy is really good at Bulls Gap. Of course Jimmy is good wherever he goes, so I knew he would be tough to beat there. But we gave it a good shot. I believe we should have run second but I let Davenport get by me on a restart and after that it was just too hard to pass. The lap cars made it even tougher on us. But that’s just a part of racing. We are happy to get back on track and get a good finish. Our Randy Clary power was awesome and our Warrior Race Car was excellent all night. We are ready to get to Lancaster this week and try to get another win.” Ferguson concluded.
Ferguson’s third place finish at Volunteer Speedway vaulted him into the lead of the Ultimate Series standings. Ferguson (151) now leads Chip Brindle (148), Roberts (143), Jonathan Davenport (132) and Petey Ivey (113) heading into the next series event on May 7th at Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia. Ferguson is pumped about the Wythe event given his past success at Fred Brown’s beautiful 4/10ths of a mile facility. “I love running at Wythe. It is such a nice place and the track is always fast and racy. It’s always a pleasure racing at Mr. Fred and Miss Susan’s place. And we are all the more happy to be going in with the points lead. There’s a lot more racing to do but I would rather lead than follow in the points deal.” Ferguson said. This weekend Ferguson and his CFM Team will return to Carolina Clash competition for the Saturday night, April 30th $4000 to win event at Lancaster Speedway in Lancaster, South Carolina. For event information visit www.carolinaclash.com or www.lancasterspeedway.net
Chris and his CFM Team would like to thank Starrette Trucking, Hal’s Plumbing, Carver and Sons Roofing, Quality Landscape Materials, Creech's DJ Service, Big A's Custom Graphics, Keith's Handyman Service, Randy Clary Race Engines, Warrior Race Cars, Quality Fasteners, RE Suspension, K&N Filters, FK Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil and Lubricants, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Hooker Harness, Outerwears, RF Composites, Team W, KELCAR Motorsports Media, Dirt Racing Magazine, CV Products and Behrent’s Performance Warehouse.
Chris’ has a new website that is currently in development and should launch soon. Until the website is released supporters and fans can keep up with Chris and his CFM Race Team by following Chris on Twitter @ChrisFerguson22 or by liking Ferguson’s Fan Page on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChrisFerguson22 . Chris’ fans should also be on the lookout for new CFM Merchandise by ASI Racewear that will be released soon.