One weekend ago, Josh Brock did something he had never done before – he pulled his No. 17 machine into victory lane following an ARCA/CRA Super Series race. Flying high from his win at Anderson Speedway (IN) on May 5, Brock hopes that momentum helps him this weekend as he heads to the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway for the Short Track U.S. Nationals.
“The confidence is very high, but I think the main thing is momentum is on our side with the strong runs we are having,” Brock told Speed51.com. “Right now, my mindset is very focused with my eye on winning more races and coming up with the CRA Super Series championship.”
The idea of going back-to-back in the ARCA/CRA Super Series is something exciting for the Kentucky driver, but even more exciting is the potential to bring home the checkered flag at the Last Great Colosseum.
“Winning Bristol would be my Daytona 500,” Brock said. “I know that there are a lot of big races like Snowball Derby, All-American 400, Winchester 400 and even the Redbud, even though it’s only 100 laps it would be one of the largest wins that any short track racer could get.”
In an effort to grab that biggest win of his career, Brock is doubling down and racing in both the Super Late Model and Pro Late Model events. He did the same last year but was caught up in wrecks early in both divisions. Doubly-duty is never easy and with a year of experience under his belt, he’s prepared for a lot of seat time this weekend.
“I think one of the main keys to surviving is either qualifying upfront to stay out of trouble or if you’re not lucky enough to qualify good, find a place and ride because unfortunately there will be a lot of wrecks,” Brock stated. “The biggest thing about double-duty is hydration and protein. Luckily they split the Pro and Super on different days, which is easier on the team and me.”
According to Brock, the key to Bristol is not only surviving, but making sure you are on top of your game at all times. You need a stable car that you can put anywhere. It’s one of the fastest short tracks in the world and lives up to its legacy.
“The closing rate at Bristol is extremely fast. To catch slower cars, you almost have to be thinking a half a lap ahead at all times. The main goal is to get the cars very stable so you can actually race side by side with somebody. Bristol is not like your typical short tracks in any shape or form it’s almost like a superspeedway. Driving at Bristol is so extremely fast you are trying to hustle the car as hard as you can and being so smooth at the same time. In the corners it gets harder to breathe. It is absolutely one of the finest and funnest tracks to drive.”
Race fans can watch Brock and the rest of the drivers fly around Bristol by watching all three days of a pay-per-view broadcast on Speed51.com. Early bird discounts can be purchased now by clicking here.
-By Jana Wimmer, Speed51.com Midwest Editor
-Photo credit: Whitley Spencer