“Atlanta Thrifty Nickel Team Wins at Five Flags Speedway and Mobile Int’l Speedway”
CONCORD, NC (March 27, 2011) – Bubba Pollard and the No. 18 Atlanta Thrifty Nickel team proved they are a contender for this year’s Gulf Coast Championship by sweeping the series opening weekend. In fact, it was the first time someone had won the season’s first races at both Five Flags Speedway and Mobile Int’l Speedway since the late Charlie Bradberry in 2006.
Friday night, Pollard got the first of his wins at the half-mile oval of Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL. Pollard led the last practice session of the day, but started seventh in the Buddy’s Home Furnishings Blizzard Series opener after an invert of the top eight from qualifying.
With the elimination of tire changes and a new Hoosier tire, Pollard felt his conservative style would serve him well in the Pepsi Max 100.
“My type of driving style, I like to lay back,” said Pollard. “I’m more conservative and try to be there at the end. I don’t try to lead a lot of laps.”
For Pollard on Friday it only took three. The Georgia-native drove to the lead on lap 96 and didn’t let off the gas. When he climbed out of the car it was crystal clear just how much this team wanted the win.
“We work so hard in the shop and it’s cool to see Ronnie Sanders in Victory Lane,” Pollard said of his car owner. “He wants the win as bad as I do. I think that’s the reason we work so well together.”
Coming off the win at Five Flags, Pollard and crew headed less than 100 miles west for Saturday night’s Miller Lite Series race at Mobile International Speedway (AL).
Knowing one win was already his, Pollard rolled off in the sixth position for the second 100-lap Super Late Model event of the weekend.
During Saturday’s race, Pollard didn’t stray from his driving style as he laid back for much of the event. On lap 86, he made his move around Johanna Long for the top spot. In the last 23 laps, nobody could touch the Atlanta Thrifty Nickel #18 as he sailed into Victory Lane for the second time in two days.
“With the competition level that’s here each and every weekend, throughout the Gulf Coast, it’s pretty hard to sweep,” he said after the race. “We’ve been so close the last couple of years, but to finally get it is pretty cool.”
The wins this weekend weren’t just for the No. 18 team, but also for Pollard’s close friend, Beau Slocumb. Slocumb, who has been battling cancer, wasn’t far from Pollard’s mind.
“We actually spoke after the race,” said Pollard. “He’s excited because it’s not only me; it’s him that’s with us. This is for him. This is what we came here for this weekend, to race for him. I’m going to continue to race for him all year.”
Up next, Pollard will head to Montgomery Motor Speedway (AL) for some Pro Late Model action in the Show Me the Money Series on Sunday, April 3.
- 51 Sports Press Release
