08/04/2024
I've taken some time to cool off and rethink everything that happened Friday night, but before I get into that, I need to say congrats to Keith Rocco and the entire 22 team on their win and thank Keith for racing me hard and clean. As many are aware, a very subjective call was made against me and my team that sent me to the rear after leading 47 laps of a 111-lap race that was shortened to 69 laps due to rain.
I have no control over how someone perceives what’s happening on the track, but I need to tell my side of the story. I drove my heart out and led 47 laps. The 2nd place car and I were able to pull away from the field, but I had a clear car to car-and-a-half lead on the 2nd place driver. I was the leader, and I drove my line. Yes, I had to adjust my entering and exiting of the corner from time to time to adjust to how my car was handling but every driver does that – so it shouldn’t be a surprise. As for the restart, Keith Rocco and I drove side-by-side cleanly for 2 laps until he cleared me and took the lead. Then I found myself racing side-by-side for 5 laps battling for 2nd. I fought for that position no differently than any other driver does at that track every week in every division. I thought we put on a good show for the fans.
I’m not going to pretend I’m perfect or that I don’t make mistakes because I’d be lying to myself and all of you. This season, my team and I have been struggling to find the speed we had last season. It’s been tough, but we finally made some progress, and I was able to run upfront with some of the best drivers in the Northeast this week. Racing at 18 years old against the best in the region is both a challenge and an honor. Even though I’ve been racing since I was 4 1/2, I know I still have a lot to learn. For example, a few weeks back, I was tight coming off the corner and kept my foot in it, which resulted in driving Todd Owen into the fence. I take 100% responsibility for that incident. Other than that, I always strive to drive everyone cleanly. If anyone feels differently, I encourage you to reflect on how you’ve driven me as well.
I’ve learned from the environment that I am surrounded by every Friday night. Stafford is one of the hardest tracks for any driver to drive. It’s a full field of cars with a full field of talented drivers every week. You hear it said from so many other drivers during post-race interviews about their experiences at Stafford. As for my experience every week, I’m driven into, pushed out of my lane, pinched down, and driven over. And I know every driver feels the same way about the field of drivers we all race against every week because it’s no secret; it’s all-over social media and interviews, etc.
I respect the track and its officials for doing their best every week to make the right call, but I also understand we will not always see eye to eye on every call they make. Their position is not an easy one, but it is an important part of our sport. However, after this Friday night and the call made against my team, if that's the standard they set, then I expect to see those rules applied consistently for every driver. Hearing it’s called hard racing one week and the changing lanes is a bit sketchy.
A huge thank you to my crew, spotter, family, friends, fans and sponsors for your unwavering support. We will continue to push forward and strive for success. Special thanks to all of you who are supporting me on social media platforms and not feeding into the negativity, but instead showing your support.
Racing is a passion and a journey, and I’m committed to learning and improving every step of the way. When you stop learning, that’s when you should be done, and I’m nowhere near ready to be done.
