Dave Porter wins his 2nd in a row at Daytona International Speedway

Friday, February 12th   The drivers from the N4Nites headed towards Daytona Florida for the N4Nites running of 70 laps to go to the winner.  Driver Bobby Rafuse (47) practice) pulled the quickest lap turning a fast 46.6 second lap.  However, these were drafting times and all were watching when his car took to the track for his qualifying run.  Also to watch was Ben (94) and Jeff (52) who all turned laps within 0.06 seconds of each other.

In qualifying, Bobby turned a very fast time of 47.9 which overwhelmed fans and other drivers, giving him the pole position.  Ben took lead on the 2nd upper line with his second place time of 48.185.

During practice, newcomer Jimmy Fox arrived in an unsponsored #10 car but rumors have it, Jimmy plans on being a full time driver in the #8.  More on this to follow.   Since Jimmy arrived to the track late – he was automatically penalized his qualifying run.  However, N4Nites ruling of new drivers starting in the back was not assessed.

As the race got underway, Bobby faded back due to his “overdrive” gears and Ben took point.  However, this point would suddenly be a nail biter for a complete fuel run as 6 cars double breasted ran door to door in two (3 car) lines.  Approximately 12 laps were to be had on a fuel run and with just one to go – cars didn’t even bother to position themselves for pit entry.  It was pit entry MEHAM but all cars made it in nicely and the professionalism of drivers capabilities really shined.

Out first to pit was Ben in the 94 car followed by Mike Redd in the 00.  Dave (#24) who had progressed in position from 5th, gained 2 spots and John (49) dittoed his move.   More lead lap positions were exchanged and for the leaders – they expressed a willingness to not let it go.  However, this is a drafting track and even with the restrictor plate removed for this race, cars still needed a drafting partner.  If the race were to continue as it was, it would all boil down to who had the best pit strategy and who didn’t make any pit road mistakes.

On the 3rd set of green flag stops, Jeff Prutzman (52) was leading the field into the pits.  He came in too hot with pressure from cars behind and locked up his brakes with 40 yards to the commitment line.  Jeff’s car gracefully solo spun into the grass as if it was on ice.  He was able to recover his pit entry but this mistake would cost him any chance for a win tonight as the remaining race went without a caution.   Jeff commented after the race regarding his pit entry.  "I was just racing as hard as I could.  I’ll have to blame this one on our budget commitee.  If I remember correctly, our parts guys got some good deal on a bunch of parts from a Toyota team that closed shop.  The brakes were sticky”.  We captured a hint of deception in his eyes but any good driver will try to find fault somewhere other than his own.

On lap 46, past the halfway point, Mike Redd (#00) took to the outer wall and brushed his car – the damage was insignificant but later he reported he had damage.  He said he must have run over something on the track but wasn’t sure.

As the race started winding down and the less than 20 was called, the Speedpro team (24 and 49) started calculating their fuel strategy.  With a short pit planned, the team pulled in, took 1 can of fuel and rapidly exited (no tires) and hoped their plan worked over those who stayed out were possibly forced to take 1 can and a half.   That half can extra might have been the determining factor for Ben and his team driver’s that put Ben behind the 24 and 49 when he exited the pits on his final stop.

As the 24 and 49 recovered 1st and 2nd place, a chuckle was heard over the public airway.  Nascar official’s assumed it was from the #24 car but this can’t be confirmed or denied.  With 2 to go, Dave reported, “were good till the end” and his crew chief just reminded him to stay on course and not to let down his guard.   The team added extra tape on their last stop so it was necessary to be more on his game than any other part of the race.

White flag – one to go – Ben (3rd position) attempted a pass edging out John Boneske (49) to the upper lines of the track.  Dave (in 1st) also mirrored John’s track positioning and although it looked bad for the 49 in loosing his spot, the drafting of porter pulled John forward and the race ended with Dave finishing 1st, and John 2nd.  Ben placed 3rd, Mike placed 4th, even with his car damage.  5th went to new driver Jimmy Fox in the #10 (soon to be #8).  6th place was awarded to Bobby who took a big loss in positioning from pole.  And taking up the rear was Jeff Prutzman who’s spin in pit road cost him valuable time that couldn’t be made up running solo and with the race running completely under green flag conditions.

We caught up to John Boneske (#49) and asked him about the race.  “It was a good race.  We played pit strategy well.  I’m getting better at running with teammate Dave whose lines can be hard to follow at times but he seems to know what he’s doing and races each race not by driving but by planning the race like a chess match.   I’m glad we joined this team.  Each week we hope to contribute as much to the team as possible to make us a either run up front or win the race.  I’m happy to take second place.  Dave’s a good driver and we worked together to get us where we finished today.”

After thanking John, we tried to contact Ben but he stampered off to this trailer and was unavailable for comment.  In addition, Ben kicked over a parts bucket that rolled into the tracks telemetry transformer and shorted out all the league’s data boxes.  With hand written notes from the officials booth, the league was able to piece together the results and make the race finish with official standings.

We contacted Dave as he exited his car in victory lane.
Jamie:  Dave, what’s it like winning 2 in a row?
Dave:  Honestly, when we started here tonight, we pulled out our playbook from past races – quickly drew out a plan – adjusted our car as fast as possible and only had about 20 minutes to practice.  Thankfully with the confusion of a new driver hitting the track just after practice – we were able to adjust our car enough to make it a front runner.  This Dupont (N4Nites) car was amazing.  It would go anywhere I put it.  High ,Low.  Had a great starting gear out of the pits – just all around performed to perfection.  Even with all that – we certainly didn’t expect a 2fer at consecutive tracks but were here and it feels great!

Jamie:  How exciting for you.  Your on a comeback?
Dave:  I guess you could say that – We seemed to hit a huge speed bump in the early races, but we're coming back around.  I was surprised Mike didn’t so well and finished where he did.  I think they were having something wrong with the car but he’s usually a major rabbit and is lapping the field.  For us – we just ran a flawless race and played good strategy.  I hope we can continue to move forward in the points.  John Boneske is really contributing largely to our success and it’s great to have him on our team.  This is more than one driver’s effort here today – it was a great team effort.