Dillon Oliver started out the weekend in the ASA Challenge Series with high hopes and fantastic expectations of a strong run in the Cherry Bomb 200.
Dillon, driving the family owned Chevy Impala with backing from Piranha Water and Potencia Energy drink, was in the top 10 in practice all day on Friday as he found his way around the very fast Rockingham Speedway trying to find as much speed and handling as possible. When the time came Dillon stood on the gas in qualifying and landed with a wide open lap speed that placed him 4th on the starting grid.
When the green flag dropped for the start of the Cherry Bomb 200, Oliver was already setting up for a charge to the front as the front four cars jockeyed for position. Dillon made a bold move and captured the lead on lap 5 of the 100 lap event.
Dillon’s giant Piranha on the hood of his Chevy would have clear sailing as he rocketed out in lead for the next 16 or so laps. Caution would fly for a crash on the backstretch. Now under caution the Oliver team, with the added bonus of Corrie Stott, longtime NASCAR crew chief and Oliver’s Camping World Truck owner & Crew Chief, strategized over the racing communications on adjustments needed during the halfway mark pit stop.
During the caution it was determined that in the effort to focus on the long haul Dillon would relinquish the lead and settle into third and make the adjustments for a run at the finish. The half time mandatory pit stop was busy but smooth as the crew made a slight chassis adjustment, filled up the fuel and changed all four tires. A couple bottles of Piranha Water were quickly consumed by Dillon to keep him hydrated for the balance of the event.
As the green flag resumed the competition on lap 51 Dillon raced by the 2nd place competitor to settle into 2nd. For 44 more laps Dillon circled the famed Rockingham Speedway in that position looking for any speed he could find to better his position. With 6 laps to go and Dillon’s handling going away as the fuel burned off Oliver had to relinquish 2nd position after a rigorous fight to maintain it failed. The Piranha Water / Potencia Energy Drink Chevy would sail under the checkered flag in his ASALMS best finish of 3rd place.
Next event for Dillon Oliver is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Event at Kentucky Speedway July 18th. (7/7/2009)(Dillon Oliver.com)
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