Nashville Fair: Joey Clanton race notes

Joey Clanton Shines In Nashville

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2003 (Nashville, TN) - - Joey Clanton proved why he is a American Speed Association Champion as he sliced and diced his way to win the final event of the season from Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

The weekend started off strong for the Georgia native, as he posted the seventh quickest time in the first practice session of the weekend. Clanton driving his green colored machine paced the track in 19.571 seconds amounting to a speed of 109.632 MPH.

"The session was good for us, we're going to make some changes and see if they work, and hope that our weekend continues to be on track," said Joey.

The changes had worked in the second practice as he whipped his Chevrolet Monte Carlo around the Nashville Tennessee based facility and posted the fastest time of the session. The team had picked up almost a ½ of second compared to the first session, leaving the team confident that had something for the drivers in qualifying.

By the end of time trials, there was nothing but smiles around the No. 71 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, as they had found a little bit more speed from practice, but also collected the pole for one of the most prestige races of the season.

"This is great, the team has worked hard heading into the event, and I'm hoping things go our way on Sunday and we can win from the pole," said Joey, who tallied another pole to his ASA career.

The series took the green flag shortly after 4:00pm EST, with Clanton leading the first lap. While the competitors began to beat and bang with each other, Joey stayed up front, and was beginning to pull away from the field.

The former NASCAR Busch Series driver led the first 83 circuits in his Terry's Automotive Group/4C Sons Chevrolet before surrendering the lead to ASA veteran Boris Jurkovic during the course of the first pit stops.

During a long-green flag span of racing, Clanton made his presence known within the top ten as he began blasting through the field aiming for another win in his ASA career.

Joey made some daring moves within the last 100 laps of the event, which included taking three machines in one corner. "My spotter told me I was clear, I had an opportunity and went for it and it worked, I think that was the winning move," he said.

With the race winding down, the No. 71 Chevrolet Monte Carlo began closing in on race leader and veteran Glenn Allen, Jr. While Allen, had a fast machine it wasn't fast enough as Clanton snuck down underneath the Ohio driver and took the lead on lap 251.

He never looked back as he led the final 49 laps enroute to victory in the BFGoodrich Traction T/A Tires 300.

The margin was 1.453 seconds back to second place Glenn Allen, Jr, and he collected $17,255 for the win.

"The crew did an awesome job," Clanton said. "They worked hard getting this car put back together after Salem, this victory is as much theirs as it is mine."

Joey Clanton has yet to announce his 2004 racing plans, but is hoping to make an announcement in the near future. "I am working on a lot of things right now, but I promise I will again be racing next year."

-jcm-