Catchfence

“Finish Does Not Represent Strong Race”

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 4, 2011) – There are times when the finishing position on paper just don’t tell the entire story. That was the case for Ali Kern and her No. 28 Crown Battery Chevrolet team during the opening round of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at the Greenville Pickens (S.C.) Speedway. Although Kern finished 26th, her performance in the Kevin Whitaker 150 was that of a top-15 finish.

A one-day show in Greenville, teams had two practice sessions before qualifying and the race on Saturday. Quickly, Kern and her team proved they had a fast car after posting the 16th-fastest time during the first practice session. In only her first laps at the historic track, Kern proved she was as fast any other competitor. The team finished final practice 12th on the chart and prepared for qualifying.

During the two-lap qualifying session, Kern posted her fastest lap of the day, as did many. Her time lined her up 21st for the 32-car starting field. The start matched her qualifying efforts in her only other Pro Series East race last season at Lee Speedway in New Hampshire. She also tied a mark with fellow female competitor Michelle Theriault as the most females to start a Pro Series East race.

With the sun set, Kern and her Crown Battery team prepared for the 150-lap event under the lights. Kern settled into her 21st spot early, but was not happy with the handling of her car. Being patient, Kern was waiting for a caution so her crew could make adjustments to her car. The race, however, started with 40 consecutive laps of green. Kern fell one lap off the leader Brett Moffitt by the first caution, but was still in position to get back on the lead lap.

“I just knew our car wasn’t the way I needed it,” said Kern. “Usually there are more cautions early at a track like this. It didn’t happen tonight, but I was being conservative because I knew it was a long race. I knew we could get the car better.”

The following restart, Kern lined up with other cars one lap down near the rear of the field. Kern’s car was much faster than those around her and they quickly stacked up in front of her entering Turn One. Kern slammed on her brakes, but slipped into the rear of another car. Kern did a quick spin before coming down pit road for repairs. Her car had cosmetic damage to the front, but her crew spent the time to make the proper repairs. During that time, Kern fell more laps behind the leaders.

“I just went into the turn and the cars were really stacked up,” Kern explained. “I hit the brakes, but there was nothing you could do. I feel bad, it hurt our car, but that’s a part of short track racing.”

Kern was able to race the next 100 laps without any major problems. In fact, Kern was one of the faster cars in the field. She moved up through the field the remainder of the race and was racing with teams who finished in the top-15 and top-10. It was great experience for the 17-year-old driver from Ohio.

“The car was a lot better during the middle of the race,” commented Kern. “I was able to get through the turns much better and really race with these guys. We just lost too much time earlier.”

Kern was able to complete the race, but a problem with her transmission in the closing laps had her stuck in a lower gear. It didn’t affect her finishing position and was credited with a 26th-place finish.

“It is not the finish we wanted,” said Kern. “But, we did finish and did have a fast car. I learned a lot and it’s good experience for everyone. We had the accident early, but rebounded. We just lost too many laps to really gain position.

“But, on the track, I know we passed cars and made a good showing until the transmission gave out in the final few laps. Right now, we’re just looking for some sponsorship help to make another attempt.”

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East now competes April 16 at the South Boston (Va.) Speedway. Ali Kern Motorsports will next compete in this series when the proper funding is put in place.

- Breaking Limits Press Release