2011 Race 5 - Walmart 300 @ South Boston

Tops: Mikael Carter, Joey Johnson, Fred Ritcher
Flops: Tyson Lautenschlager, MOninety9, Joey Johnson's crew.

MO: Car was waaay too tight, Johnson's an idiot.
TB: My sponsors are awsummm, car was great, Johnsons and idiot, I dun crashed.
JR: Our day was the equivalent of the color beige.

Carter Thrilled With Victory; News from Walmart 300

Mikael Carter won his 4th career race, and first since 2008, at South Boston on Saturday night in the Walmart 300 AMP Energy Racing Series event. This lifted the 87 to 2nd in the points, just 10 points behind leader, and 8-time champion, Fred Ritcher.

"I'm extremely happy with how the night turned out, of course. The guys built an absolute beast of a car tonight, and it showed on track. I can't believe how well the car drove. "

"We are very proud of getting back to victory lane, its been awhile, and I owe it all to my team, they are the best in the business and give their fullest each and every week, couldn't have a better crew."

Carter's last victory came at Ottawa back in 2008, one that placed him 4th in the standings, and helped boast the team to a 2nd place points finish with the final 3 races in the season. Carter is looking to do the same in 2011.

"I really do hope now that we're over this sort of streak of bad luck. We've been not up to par since Season 2, and I'm very excited for the rest of the season."

With Carter moving to JN Motorsports in 2011, most don't think they can pull off a championship victory with his team knowing that he's leaving them.

"We don't care about 2012, we're in 2011, so that's where we are focusing now, nobody cares about future plans, just about 2011 plans."


Ritcher Snatches Points Lead Looking For 9th Title

After South Boston, with a 2nd place finish, Fred Ritcher found himself in a familiar spot in the standings, sitting 1st once again.

"It's a nice feeling, like always. We just have to keep getting these good runs, I don't care if we don't get a win, were capable of pulling a Pisani anyway."

Ritcher has gone winless in only two seasons, 2009 Season 2, and back in 2002.

Fred Ritcher has been hot all season and is looking stronger than ever after having an average finish of 13th within the first 5 races of the season, with 2 second place finishes.


Grosso, Edwards Surprise In Debut

Two drivers were making their debuts at South Boston this weekend, which, isn't really a place drivers would prefer to have their first start. The two drivers were 2011 AYG drivers Kent Grosso (#44 Nesquik Lincoln MKZ), and Donnie Edwards, Jr (#65 Elmira Gift Outlet Ford Taurus). Both were serving as replacements from drivers who were fired from their teams.

Grosso had a tough task to fill after star Jonathon Ringer left the team shortly before Livonia. The team re-masked a Tyler Deefer #46 as the #44 and sent the car to SoBo for the Walmart 300.

Grosso didn't disappoint, hanging on the edge of the top 10 all race before being taken out in a multi-car crash on lap 74.

"It was fun, I learned quite a bit," said Grosso, "Unfortunately we left early but it was nothing of our making. We went mistake free all race. I can't thank Mr. Carson enough and I look forward to whenever my next race shall be."

Grosso is expected to return after McKinley, as a new driver will grasp the 44 next week in L.A.

Donnie Edwards, Jr was replacing former AERS driver Darrien Maneren, who was rather horrid in his comeback to the series, taking out pretty much everyone in sight. Edwards finished 5th in his debut after starting 14th and moving into the top 10 very quickly.


Who will be in car 44 in L.A.?

The 44 Nesquik Lincoln currently does not have a driver for the 46 Laps of L.A. next weekend. Adam Carson said early Friday morning that Nick Dawson and Austin Kingston were in talks with the team to get a deal, considering their AARO career's so far.

Another Bad Week, Old Spice Pulls Sponsorship

After a 35th place finish, Old Spice will pull sponsorship from the #05 team. Old Spice is paying the money they owe Eric and they won't be on the hood next week. The will be enough money to run unsponsored for 5 races this year but there is rumors that Speed Energy will sponsor the car.