PC- Bryan Lugo
PETERSEN MEDIA: Austin Liggett had a Saturday night he will not be forgetting anytime soon. Flirting with his first career 410ci win the last couple of seasons, the Tracy, CA driver was able to breakthrough at Thunderbowl Raceway on Saturday night and pick up the elusive ‘W’ as he scored the win with the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, and also charged from 13th to finish 2nd in the USAC Western States Midget event.
“What a great night,” Austin Liggett said with a smile. “It is a pretty awesome feeling to finally get my first 410ci win after being close so many times. I have to thank everyone who helps me out on this team for all of their hard work.”
Liggett kicked his Saturday night off by timing the Excel Environmental Services/Lucas Oil/Hurst Fabrications backed No. 83 machine in fifth quickest amongst the 20 cars entered in the event.
Lining up in the third row of his heat race, the Tracy, CA wheelman had his elbows up as he worked his way up to a second place finish which put him in the inversion for the feature event and ultimately on the front row.
When the race came to life, Liggett would find himself in a three-way battle for the top spot but would officially be third when the race’s opening lap was completed.
Working the high side of the Thunderbowl Raceway, Liggett would power his way into the front and would lead the race’s second lap. On a racy surface, Ligget and Damion Gardner would hook up in an entertaining battle that saw Gardner reclaim the race lead, though Liggett would sit in his shadow lap after lap.
On the slick surface, Liggett would appear to find a little rubber on the speedway and would use that to reclaim the lead on the race’s 15th lap. Out front, Liggett would set a strong pace though he would have his hands full with Richard Vander Weerd and Brody Roa late in the race.
Able to fend off a furious last lap challenge, Liggett would win the race to the finish as he captured his first career USAC/CRA feature event win.
Also taking part in the USAC Western States Midget part of the program, Liggett would be in action aboard a Ted Finkenbinder owned machine. In only his third start in a midget, and first time not at the Chili Bowl, Liggett would need some time getting up to speed as he would time in 13th quickest in time trials.
Racing his way to a fifth place finish in the heat race, Liggett would take the green flag from the 13th starting position in the feature. With several laps under his belt on this night, Liggett would come to life in the “A”. Showing off his experience at Thunderbowl Raceway, Liggett would put on a show as he carved his way forward methodically.
Putting his machine where others wouldn’t, Liggett would cap a great night off with a very impressive run to second.
“It definitely took me some time to adjust to the car, and being at a big track in a midget,” Liggett added. “We kept working at it, and really had something in the ‘A’. Again, I really have to thank my Mom, Dad, Ted, Dave, Matt, and Jim for all their hard work and really giving me two awesome cars to drive.”
Austin Liggett Racing would like to thank Excel Environmental Services, Lucas Oil, Hurst Fabrications, Infinity Shocks, 4 Alarm Promotions, Epic Fire Apparel, and Jarrett Soares Racing for their support.
2018 BY THE NUMBERS: Races-6, Wins-1, Top 5’s-3, Top 10’s-3
ON TAP: Liggett will return to action on the 28th with the USAC West Coast 360 Series in Santa Maria, CA.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with Austin Liggett on Twitter by following along @AustinLiggett
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