Charlotte, North Carolina (Monday, April 27, 2015): For Hunter Baize, the “Madison County Community Health Center 125” at Anderson Speedway (IN) was a race he will not soon forget. The Western Kentucky teenager finished 4th in only his third ever Super Late Model start, after driving through the field following contact battling for the lead on lap 71.
Baize hovered near the top of the leaderboard in all practice sessions throughout the weekend. He started 5th and quickly made his way to 2nd. While passing Greg St. Alst on lap 71 for the lead contact was made. Although following the race St. Alst admitted fault, both Baize and St Alst were sent to the rear of the field. Baize refocused and drove from the rear of the field back to 4th in the last 53 laps. A drive that included a three-wide pass to secure the 4th position with two laps left. His performance earned him the Senneker Performance Rookie of the Race award and Hedman Hedders Husler Award. Following the “Madison County Community Health Center 125,” he is second in both the Overall ARCA/CRA Super Series, and Rookie points standings.
“We had a great No. 13 Mountaineer All-Natural Firewood Ford Fusion today,” Baize said. “Our car was quite a bit better than the No. 4 car. After several laps of showing my nose, I felt that I had a good enough run off turn four to leave my nose at his door into turn one. Unfortunately, we made contact, and the officials sent us both to the rear. We had a car capable of winning; it’s frustrating but encouraging at the same time. Everyone knew the No. 13 was here this weekend. I’m so proud of my guys; they brought a phenomenal car; they deserve a better finish than 4th.”
Baize’s next race is this weekend, with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance at the JEGS/CRA Season Opening, “Cabin Fever 100” at Springport Motor Speedway (MI). Baize finished 2nd at the Michigan track last fall.
This season Baize’s Van Doorn Racing Development Pro and Super Late Model race cars will carry sponsorship from Mountaineer All-Natural Firewood, B & K Wood Products, Kawasaki, Wood-Mizer, and Steel City Bolt.
