Catchfence

“Rising Phenom Vows To Return; Gains Attention For Driving Ability”

CONCORD, North Carolina (July 27, 2011) – - Michael Dabney Jr. closed out the 2011 edition of the Summer Shootout at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway this past Monday and Tuesday nights with not only respectable finishes but grabbing attention in the stands and garage with his superb driving abilities and techniques.

The Crandall, Texas native returned to the quarter-mile oval re-energized and focused after a racing incident the week before literally destroyed his No. 5 Michael Dabney Jr. Motorsports Legends Car. Will, determination and the love of racing saw the rising phenom pour tireless hours of repairing his automobile all with the intentions and goals of proving to his competition that he was not to be taken lightly. Mission accomplished.

Mother Nature threatened to damper race activities on Monday night. Consistent rain drops hindered the Mooresville, North Carolina resident during his heat race; as he opted to play the safe route by not forcing the issue and keeping his race car clean. The conservative approach came with a price though as Dabney Jr. would start the 20-lap pro division feature deep in the field.

In his typical trademark presence, Dabney Jr. utilized the feature as an opportunity to once again climb the ladder and move towards the leaders. After battling just inside the top-20 within the first five laps of the dash, Dabney Jr. flexed his muscle by using the inside line, where his automobile showed incredible speed and maneuvering capabilities.

As the laps continued to tick away, Dabney Jr. continued to roar his way through the field. Moving into the 12th position by lap 13, the Texan needed a caution to catch the lead pack as he was slowly making progress on the group ahead of him; while leaving the cars behind him trailing in the dust. Unfortunately though, the yellow flag never waived as the 20-lap contest went caution free with Dabney Jr. crossing the start finish line 12th. In all respects, it was a blessing in disguise as he began noticing a malfunction with his throttle just two laps from the checkered flag.

Content with his finishing position and the way his No. 5 Michael Dabney Jr. Motorsports machine adapted to the track on Monday, the 10th and final round of the Summer Shootout the following day had him looking to dragoon the other drivers.

After a commendable qualifying run and another admirable showing during his heat race, Dabney Jr. would line up 17th for the final 20-lap sprint of the year.

Not surprisingly, the black and yellow No. 5 quickly but cautiously began picking off his prey, moving into the 15th spot by lap seven. Just before the halfway mark, while racing in a wad of cars, Dabney would be tapped from behind in turn one sending his automobile for a 360-degree spin before the 22-year hammered the throttle and returned to action.

Mired now back in the 21st position, Dabney Jr. cleverly crafted his way back to 18th before the yellow flag waived, freezing the field. Utilizing the closing laps of the race by competing on both the high and low lines of the race track, he boldly climbed up the leader board before having to settle for 12th when the checkered flag was thrown.

“Both nights were good,” offered Dabney Jr. “On Monday, the car was bad to the bone. We just needed a caution to catch the group ahead and it just never happened. Still, I was pumped about how the car was handling; I could go anywhere I wanted to on the track. Tuesday night, the car was just as good. Hard racing caused the spin. While I was frustrated, I wasn’t going to just give up. I think a little bit of anger propelled myself to get back where I was before the spin; I just wish we would have had a couple more laps.”

He continued, “All-in-all though, I consider the Shootout a success. I was able to compete in all the races and had a lot of fun. If not for some bad luck, we would have some better finishes, but I’m just thankful to be racing and to have the support from others. I’ll be back next year and we will get to victory lane!”

Unofficially, Dabney Jr. grabbed 12th place in the Summer Shootout point standings.

While the Summer Shootout is complete, the INEX Legend Car Series will return to the iconic race track next Monday (August 1) and Tuesday (August 2) for the running of the Legends Big Money 100. Boasting a purse of $100,000.00, heat races and A-main features will be contested Monday with the 100-lap feature set for Tuesday evening. Dabney Jr. is already taking steps to make sure he is adequately prepared for the anticipated thriller.

“Heck yeah, I am looking forward to the Legends Big Money 100,” Dabney Jr. sounded. “I’m going to go over every square inch of the car and make sure she’s ready for battle. 100 laps, believe it or not can go by quick. Starting near the front will be crucial and being around for the final 10 laps will even more vital. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to participate. I’m going to go out there and give it all I have and we might just pull it off.”

Following the Legends Big Money 100, Dabney Jr. will continue to run select INEX Legend Car Series throughout the country but will also take the time to focus his racing efforts on the future.

“We have a lot of stuff working,” he said. “Something will piece together, I just have to be patient. No one said making this climb was easy, but I want to prove that I can drive a race car and I can win. Moving up the ladder into some bigger types of cars will undoubtedly help me achieve those goals.”

Cost-efficient marketing partnerships are still available for Michael Dabney Jr. in 2011. For further information, please contact 469.474.6507.

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- Michael Dabney Jr. Motorsports Press Release