Catchfence

Lakeville, Conn. (July 3, 2010): Julian Albarracin has been preparing for his series debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East all year. After turning 16 years old just last week, the Columbian native was ready to kick off his career in the United States at a place he felt comfortable – a road course. The buildup to this day didn’t disappoint for Fadden Racing’s newest development driver. Albarracin qualified 10th fastest at Lime Rock Park, and backed it up by leading 11 laps of the 66-lap race. A blown engine, however, forced the team behind the wall 20 laps before the race conclusion and the team ended the day with a 21st place finish.

“The car was pretty good in the race and I got to lead some laps,” said Albarracin. “I’m pretty happy and I’m excited. I’m a little sad about what happened, but the car was comfortable. These things – It’s part of the races.”

At the drop of the green, Albarracin gained four positions and moved up to the sixth spot, where he remained until the leaders started a round of green flag pit stops at lap seven. Albarracin elected to stay out and moved into the lead at lap 15.

Inheriting the lead was no fluke, however. Albarracin remained out front despite heavy pressure from race contenders over the next 11 laps. At one point, Albarracin had pulled ahead of eventual race-winner Andrew Ranger by over two seconds.

Ranger closed up the distance on the young Columbian and was able to get by for the lead at lap 25. At halfway, Albarracin was in the fifth position and the team was ready to pull him in for a fuel stop.

On a restart at lap 38, Albarracin showed off his road course skills by taking it three wide down the front straightaway to gain two positions. He was making his way through the field when trouble reared its head on lap 46.

“The engine broke. I’m not really sure why,” said car owner Mike Olsen. “It might have run hot, but we’re not really sure. We had a communication problem and he couldn’t hear us on the radio. He did a really good job today. He got to lead some laps and had some pretty decent restarts. We have to get the car home, get it apart, and see what happened.”

- Fadden Racing Press Release