Drew Brannon visited New Smyrna Speedway this past Saturday, September 8th and participated in the Limited Late Model 50.
Qualifying was a little helter-skelter as Drew drove to the staging area thinking it was the final practice session, since the gates did not open at 2PM like the team was use to. But, apparently the regular Saturday night shows have a later pit gate opening and Drew found himself inline for qualifying. UH, OH!
Quickly out of the car and back to the pits in the golf-cart for the fresh tires, a jack, other assorted tools and crew members, then back to the car. Changes were made and qualifying was average, with a 9th fast time of the 18 cars on hand.
The 7 pill inverted the cars in front of the Brannon Specialties machine and then one first time driver elected to go to the rear, sliding the #08 Blue Bullet into the 7th starting spot.
At the green, the car was fast for Drew. After a few cautions and good hard racing, young Brannon found himself in 3rd , but unable to mount a charge for second with less than 15 to go. Suddenly, the 4B car dove to the inside to run under Drew going into 3. The call was made to give room and Drew took to the second groove up high. Apparently that wasn't enough room, as the 4B went in so hard and slid up the track into the 08's driver's door, spinning both cars.
Both cars were sent to the back, because that's what they do to guys running good that get run over by others. Drew settled into 10th for the restart and fought back to a 6th place finish.
Next outing will be at Columbia Speedway in Lake City on September 22nd. The last time Drew visited Columbia, Drew destroyed a car. With a little help from his fellow competitors of course.
