Catchfence

Bronx , NY … The late Dale Earnhardt has been acknowledged as one of the very best in the draft. It has been said that at 200mph he could “see the air” and had a feel for the draft that was absolutely amazing. In the ARCA at Michigan International Speedway, 20 year old Chase Mattioli went to school, and learned a lesson that unfortunately cost him a top 10 finish. Having just finished his sophomore year at New York City ’s Fordham University , Mattioli now getting the practical experience he needs on the track.

Starting the race in 26th position, Mattioli motored his #17 APS Ford all the way up to 14th until school bells rang on the 77th lap of the 100 lap event. With this, his first race at the 2 mile super speedway, Mattioli was getting on the job training. The track is D-shaped oval with 18 degrees of banking in the turns and 12 degrees on the arched mains straight. The only relatively flat part of the track is the back stretch, and that is banked 5 degrees. The down force generated by the car is critical to keep it from losing grip all around the track except for the back straight.

“I was making a pass for 13th coming out of turn #4. When I pulled out for the pass I was still turning and the little bit of down force I lost was all it took,” said the young racer. “It’s like riding a bicycle. You can read about it all day long and have the very best explain what to do, but until you fall off a few times, it does not make sense. It was a costly lesson, but one I will never forget. The car and the team were terrific and I cannot wait to get back on the track,” Mattioli continued.

Mattioli amazed the onlookers with his control of the spin, and not making contact. He flat spotted the tires, and when he pitted he had to go back out on old tires. Ironically, in the last two races Mattioli has probably passed more cars than anyone on the track, and this, his only 2nd race with the team, the Roulo Brothers are very happy with his progress.

“In ARCA racing you can have good finishes by just riding around and playing it safe. Chase is not riding to the front he is racing to the front. The way he is progressing, it is not a question if he will have a top finish, only when,” comment car owner Gary Roulo.

Mattioli and ARCA series will be back in action on July 10th at Iowa Speedway.

- Chase Mattioli Racing Press Release