USAR: South Boston CS: Lance Ransone race report

Ransone Wins Raybestos Rookie of the Year in USARacing Pro Cup Series

South Boston, VA: Fall rain showers brought in the end of the 2009 USARacing Pro Cup Series at South Boston Speedway for the Strutmasters 250. Lucas Ransone driver of the #00 KRG Utilities Ford Fusion had already locked in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Championship heading into South Boston and was honored at the conclusion of the race.

"It is a great deal to win Rookie of the Year you have to start somewhere," said Ransone. "We had one goal coming into this season, to win the Rookie of the Year and we achieved more than we had hoped to by winning a race. Next year our goal is to win three races and battle for the points championship."

Ransone won earlier this season at Lanier National Speedway in Georgia. Unfortunately he did not have as good of luck at South Boston.

Ransone qualified 6th for the last event and was off to a strong start. Ransone spun out on lap 12 when battling for 5th place with another car then was hit from behind. The #00 crew quickly went to work on the back end of the car to get it back out on the track. When the green flag was about to wave Ransone speed out of the pits causing him to get black flagged. He was forced to come into the pits during green laps putting him to laps down.

Once Ransone was back on the track he was still running speeds close to the leaders. On lap 83 Ransone was hit from behind causing him to spin out again and slam the back end of the car into turn three. With the entire back end of the car destroyed the #00 KRG Utilities crew decided to park the car for the remainder of the race.

"We had a good car, it was just one of those deals we could not control the outcome," Ransone commented. "We'll be back next year with our guns loaded. I'm proud of all my guys they worked hard all season and I want to give a thanks to all of my sponsors for their support throughout the year."

Luckily the car was in good enough shape for Ransone to make a victory burnout after the conclusion of the race to celebrate winning Rookie of the Year.

Ransone will be honored at a Rookie of the Year Luncheon on November 24 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

-credit: lrPR