Austin Wayne Self returned to his home track for the first time since moving to Mooresville, NC to further pursue a professional racing career. The 2014 ARCA Rookie of the Year competed in the Pro late Model race at Central Texas Speedway on Saturday, March 28th. This was the young driver’s first time back in a Late model since the beginning of the ARCA Racing season. Self was excited to be home and back at CTS where his stock car career took flight. He even pulled off a top-five finish.
Self’s return to the local Austin area race track attracted long-time fans and sponsors to the race event on Saturday. Among those supporting the young driver were the owners and guests of the popular energy shot drink, Pirate Energy. The Pirate Energy group cheered Self on as he piloted the #07 Pirate Energy Pro Late Model and even hosted an after-party after the race action to celebrate the team’s top 5 finish.
The fourth place finish wasn’t so easily earned however. Self struggled with mechanical issues throughout the day. “The last time this Pro late model saw a track was at the race in Georgia that we competed at a few months ago. With ARCA testing in Nashville making my late model practice schedule tight, I don’t think we really had a chance to work out all the kinks. The team worked extremely hard to repair damage taken on in Georgia and I know with a little more track time before, we would have had the best car out there. We still did a great job and I know we all had fun and that’s what’s most important to us for these CTS races,” explained Self.
Despite having trouble getting through turns during the race Self was able to pick up positions during the race and put on a show for the crowd. Starting in the 7th position Self quickly took the #07 Pirate Energy car to the top. Charging forward and taking on other drivers on the inside Self battled to the second position and remained there for the majority of he race. A late caution came out causing the rest of the pack to catch back up with the leaders. Some shuffling during the restart put Self back in the fourth position with only a few laps to go. Even without the win the #07 team received praises for the exciting racing they displayed from fans and partners. Newcomers to the track became race fans for life and that really is what the sport is all about.
The next race that Self and the #07 Pirate Energy car will compete in will be Saturday, April 4th at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. Fans can follow Austin on Facebook and Twitter to catch announcements about live broadcasting for this event and for behind the scenes photos and videos.
@AustinWSelf