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IOWA NETS TWO TOP TENS IN USAC MIDGET |
Monday, June 1, 2009 – After a busy weekend in Indianapolis the prior weekend, Cole Whitt and crew moved onto Iowa for two nights of racing at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA. The ½ mile dirt oval is known for fast races and big wrecks due to the high speed. The races this weekend featured both and unfortunately tragedy was part circumstance on Friday in one of the high speed wrecks.
Upon rolling on track, Whitt found his no. 1 Red Bull Toyota Bullet chassis was one of the fastest cars in the early practice sessions. This speed translated to quick time in qualifying breaking the track record. After a 5th place finish in the heat race, Cole was forced to run the B main which he duly won. Due to different track rules Cole would now start the feature in 13th. Once In the feature race, Cole worked his way around the dry slick track where passing was minimal. A late race caution and open red delayed the race. With only 3 laps left, Cole and the crew quickly decided to pull into the pits and change 2 rear tires that were worn. This placed Cole at the rear of the field in 15th. When the race resumed Cole fought his way from 15th to a strong 7th place finish in the remaining 2 laps.
In addition, during the 20 lap feature event, 34 year old Chad McDaniel of Concordia, KS was involved in an accident that eventually led to McDaniel succumbing to injuries incurred during the accident. Cole Whitt and everyone that is involved with Cole Whitt Racing would like to pass on condolences to the entire McDaniel family and crew.
After the somber reminder of the danger that is involved in this type of racing, Cole and the remainder of the teams and drivers returned to compete on Saturday night at the event. Track officials worked towards a better racing surface and due to a late draw, Cole was not able to match his fast time in qualifying. He was, however, able to qualify 8th and make a return to the A Main directly through the heat races. Again, the race was a wild breakaway of the top 12 cars. After working through a couple of incidents and a number or passes for position, Cole was able to post a fifth place finish.
Cole had this to say, “I just first want to say that it is a tragedy to lose a fellow competitor. I met Chad and pitted next to him for this event. He seemed like a nice family man. I am sorry for his family’s loss. For us, this event with Chad makes us all put things into perspective. I for sure would have liked to finish higher both nights and drove really hard to the places that I finished. However, we will look forward to future race events and to another win in USAC Midgets soon. Chad McDaniel ‘s family and the racing community have suffered a terrible loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
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