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MESQUITE, Texas (March 31, 2014) – Graves Motorsports is on the right path as it made noticeable improvement between its first two races of the season.
Driver Kolt Walker powered the car to a top 10 during the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour and ASCS Lone Star Region event at Devil’s Bowl Speedway last Saturday.
“We made some changes during the week,” he said. “We did more work on our steering pumps and our steering gears and we made some changes with our shock program. We’ve been struggling with one of our engines for the past four races. After trying everything as far as a tune-up goes, we made a decision to put our backup engine in. It was a good decision and a huge improvement based on our performance.”
Walker advanced from fifth to fourth place in his heat race on the ultra-fast track, which earned him enough points to start 14th in the 30-lap main event.
“We continued to fine-tune our new setup we’ve been working on,” he said. “It’s getting better and better. The track conditions were great if you started on the pole. For us starting deep in the field, those kind of track conditions make it tough to pass on. The track was extremely fast with one groove all night long. We actually loosened the car up for the main and it was a good thing we did.”
Walker maneuvered to a ninth-place result on the tricky surface.
“Everybody was fast,” he said. “You had to wait for them to make a slight mistake and you had to be there to capitalize. You had to be there at the right moment and be fast as well. I know our ninth-place finish doesn’t sound great, but the cars we passed throughout the night were top-notch drivers that you usually don’t just drive around.”
It marked the team’s first top-10 result of the season and gave Walker a boost as he chases the ASCS Lone Star Region championship.
“I want to say thanks once again to Jerry and Donna Graves for believing in me and trusting me with their race program,” he said. “While most teams were hanging out and going on vacation throughout the offseason, I had my head in the books and was going through my notes trying to strengthen all of my weak points and the struggles we came across last year.
“I spent the offseason working on myself physically as well as mentally. Confidence is everything. After breaking both of my heels and ankles last year, I’ve had to train twice as hard to get back where I need to be physically. I’ve changed up my diet as well, which I feel definitely helps. You get out what you put in. If you take in junk, your performance and results are junk.”
Walker was also complimentary of his crew members.
“I also want to point out and say thanks to one of my new crew members,” he said. “Just like the rest of my crew, JD has been a great help and is doing exceptionally well. He’s right there when I need him and does exactly what I want. That’s also another confidence boost knowing that everything is getting done and done correctly.”
The next ASCS Lone Star Region event is April 25 at Lubbock Speedway in Lubbock, Texas. However, Graves Motorsports is looking into options to race before that date.
QUICK RESULTS –
March 29 – Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas – Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: 9 (14).
SEASON STATS –
2 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 1 top 10, 1 top 15, 1 top 20
UP NEXT –
TBD
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.KoltWalkerRacing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kolt.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES –
Graves Motorsports is searching for additional partners to be able to compete for the ASCS Lone Star Region championship in 2014. For more information about supporting the team, e-mail Kolt at KoltWalker@gmail.com.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Astro Titanium
Established in 1999, Astro Titanium manufactures quality titanium fasteners for sprint cars and midgets. Based out of Noti, Ore., owner Dave Sims has developed his business into a titanium leader on a national scale. For more information, visit http://www.AstroTitanium.com.
“For all your titanium needs and custom bold kits, Dave and all of the guys at Astro Titanium is your answer,” Walker said. “I really appreciate all of their support and for supplying me with a great and reliable product.”
Graves Motorsports would also like to thank A-Rock Materials, Advantage Homes, John and Stefanie Haley, Briley Trucking, Two Hands Down Massage Therapies, Greg and Samantha Boyle, King Racing Products, BR Motorsports, FK Rod Ends, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Vortex Wings, KSE Racing Products, Day Motorsports, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, Factory Kahne, Wilwood Brakes, Shell Shock, Sparco, Winters Performance Products, A-Line Auto Parts, KRS Fabrications, Precision Body Works Inc. and Brown & Miller Racing Solutions for their continued support.