BNS: Loudon: Nevin George race notes

Nevin George entered this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway attempting to qualify for the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series in additional to his usual Featherlite Modified Series competition.

The Kunkletown, PA, driver only accumulated four practice laps in the Busch North practice sessions. Ralph Solhem is the owner of Ralph Solhem Racing and the #00 Monte Carlo that George would qualify in twentieth. The credit goes to Solhem and the crew as they spent the previous week getting the car ready. On Wednesday the shop was a flurry of activity as numerous setbacks befell the team. But, no one gave up as departure time loomed close. First, the starter switch betrayed the group; then a weak battery; then the alternator decided it didn't want to work either! Ralph and the crew finally were able to load the #00 with its stablemate, the #0 FMS modified. By Thursday morning everything and everyone was in place to begin the weekend's events.

The #00 Busch North entry would continue to challenge the crew as a couple of seals would require prompt attention. With the seals replaced, the crew was able to put George in the car Saturday morning for the final BNS practice. Bruce George, the driver's dad was eagerly listening on the head set as Nevin reported he was happy with the car. The younger George said the car was pretty neutral and it was fast.

The Siemen's 125 Busch North race saw George showing his racing ability as he worked his way through traffic on his way up to eighth place. On lap 68 the car pushed high and the brakes became soft as George entered the apex of turn three. George had cleared the #61 of Mike Olsen in turn 2, and stated he may have carried too much speed into three. The Monte Carlo will need a front clip for the September race at back at the Magic Mile! George would finish the day a disappointing 31st.

The modified appeared race ready and after the second practice session, George was 9th fastest. Solhem sent the #0 out on "stickers" for qualifying. The car was tight and the #0 qualified 31st 0x2022 its worst effort in three years at NHIS. The previous four races they qualified 3rd, 3rd, 1st, and 4th.

The Bruce George Paving Chevrolet #0 was making his way forward until lap 19 when George received an unwanted gift 0x2022 the right side nerf bar was broken during contact in turn 2. George headed behind the wall, but the track welder had left for the day. Crew members dashed to the hauler and pulled the welder into the pits to make the repair. George would lose laps, but they had to be sure the weld would hold. The RSR team got George back to racing and he finished a respectable 23rd.

Next up for the FMS is Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA, on Sat., July 31st

-rnf-