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PaHud Rallies Through Busy Race Week
17-Year-Old Switches Gears Between Limited Late Models and Legends Cars
MOORESVILLE, NC (July 8, 2010) - Activ8 Development driver Christian PaHud raced through a busy week, participating in three different events over the course of five days. He competed in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Limited Late Models at Tri-County Motor Speedway (N.C.) on Friday, July 2nd, the Southeast Limited Late Model Series inaugural race at Florence Motor Speedway (S.C.) on Sunday, July 4th and the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway (N.C.) on Tuesday, July 6th.
Tri-County Motor Speedway
After qualifying seventh, PaHud managed to pass two cars upon the drop of the green flag, immediately moving into the top-five. Without any caution flags during the 35-lap race, PaHud found himself not only battling other competitors but with his car as well.
"The car was definitely off," said PaHud. "We just couldn't seem to pinpoint what the issue was. What's weird is that the car felt good, but at the same time we couldn't get it fast. I think it was just a small adjustment that needed to be made, but we never got the chance to figure it out."
Holding on to his position for the remainder of the race, PaHud finished the night in fifth-place and currently sits in fourth-place in the points standings at Tri-County Motor Speedway. The race marked his seventh top-five finish of the season.
Florence Motor Speedway
The next day, PaHud traveled to Florence Motor Speedway in Timmonsville, S.C., for the inaugural race of the Southeast Limited Late Model Series, a championship series consisting of a five-race schedule.
The No. 63 Orion Motorsports team was able to make two practice runs, as PaHud laid down fast lap times despite running on 50-lap scuffed tires. PaHud entered qualifying very confident; unfortunately, due to a scoring glitch, PaHud's second qualifying lap was not counted. The young driver's first lap qualified him 13th for the 100-lap feature, with each driver in the field separated by slim margins.
Once the green flag dropped, PaHud worked his way from 13th to fourth-place in just 20 laps. PaHud's progress was halted when the yellow flag dropped on lap 23, the second of 16 cautions throughout the race. Getting back up on the wheel for the restart, PaHud was able to gain enough momentum to move into second place by lap 50.
As PaHud chased down the leader, he noticed the No. 63 machine had an exhaust leak inside the car, which caused his eyes to burn and water. Undeterred, PaHud held on to second-place until the car began to fall back toward the end of the race.
As PaHud tried to weave his way back through traffic, contact with two other cars on lap 80 forced him to the pits to change a flat tire. Restarting in 13th position, PaHud looked to move toward the front and stay out of trouble. With only five laps remaining, a car spun directly in front of the 17-year-old. Attempting to avoid the car, PaHud swiped another competitor, damaging the No. 63's left front and forcing the young driver to retire early from the race.
PaHud's hard work throughout the 100-lap feature rewarded him with an 11th-place finish when the checkered flag flew.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Looking to turn his luck around, PaHud traveled to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the fifth round of the Summer Shootout. After Monday night's practice session, PaHud was satisfied with the way his Legend car was handling.
PaHud finished sixth in the heat race and was automatically transferred to start the Pro division 20-lap feature. Starting 18th amidst 28 cars, he had his work cut out for him. PaHud picked off his competitors one by one until a caution came out on lap 7. During the restart, PaHud was involved in an incident, causing the No. 63's hood to come up as he sailed down the backstretch.
Unable to see, PaHud pulled off the track for the final laps and was relegated to the 25th position.
Going forward, the young driver's busy summer of racing continues as he prepares for the Legends Million at Charlotte Motor Speedway. PaHud also plans to continue racing at Tri-County Motor Speedway and participate in future Southeast Limited Late Model Series races.
About Christian PaHud
Christian PaHud is a 17-year-old NASCAR limited late model racer who is a threat to win wherever he goes. He scored three victories last year at the Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, N.C. Christian will be competing in the limited late model series again in 2010, with some possible starts in a higher division later in the year.
PaHud's marketing partners are Orion Motorsports and Tri-Star Racewear. For more information on Christian, visit his website at www.christianpahud.com.
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