9/17/2020
Sam Hafertepe Jr
Hafertepe Snags Seventh Win Of The Season At I-80 Speedway
(Image Credit: Joe Orth)
Bryan Hulbert – GREENWOOD, Neb. (September 16, 2020) Narrowly holding off Roger Crockett exiting the final turn of the Casey's General Store Midwest Fall Brawl and Bobby Parker Memorial at I-80 Speedway this past Saturday night, Sam Hafertepe, Jr. parked the Hills Racing No. 15h in Victory Lane for the seventh time in 2020.
"Even though we go the win, the car didn't feel near as dominate as it did in the Heat and Qualifier. It was ok, but we just didn't make enough adjustments for the start of the race. I still felt like we could win, but things would have to fall our way," commented Sam.
Trading the lead numerous times with Crockett, a late-race caution provided a challenge for Hafertepe as the line that has been cleaned off around the top lost a step in the final laps.
"He [Roger] committed to the bottom in three and four, and that let me go up top where we really had nothing to lose early in the race, and once the top of three and four cleaned off, that's what got us into the lead, then with that last caution, the top of three and four got dirty again, and that's what gave him a shot."
Aiming the team to the Show-Me State this weekend and the Hockett/McMillin Memorial, the team will roll into a new car for the $10,000 to win affair. A two-time winner of the prestigious event, Sam is looking forward to getting back to Lucas Oil Speedway.
"We feel like we have a good shot. Hopefully, everything plays out because, with 80 plus cars, you need a lot to go your way, so hopefully, the draw treats us right, and we can land in the right spots and get locked in Saturday. Going into a 40-lap feature, I feel like if we're locked in, we have a shot every time.
The Hockett/McMillin Memorial takes place September 17-19 in Wheatland, Mo. Live coverage can be found at http://www.lucasoilracing.tv.
For continued updates on Sam Hafertepe, Jr., log onto http://www.sam15.com and make sure to find him on Twitter (@samhafertepejr). For news on Hill's Racing Team, log onto https://www.facebook.com/hillsracing/ and on Twitter (@HillsRacingTeam).
2020 Season to Date:
Events: 51; Wins -7; Top 5 – 12; Top 10 – 23; Top 20 – 30;
Coming Up:
September 17-19 – Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) w/Lucas Oil ASCS National
Sam Hafertepe, Jr. Online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011628097506
Website: http://www.sam15.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samhafertepejr
The Sponsors:
Hill's Racing Team, Townline Variety, Heidbreder Foundation Service, Kiebler & Sons Lawn, and Landscaping, Fisher Racing Engines, Super Shox, J&J Chassis, Smiley's Racing Products, Hoosier Tire, Huggins Cams, Champion Oil, The Sparks Family, Lonestar Speedway, Keizer Wheels, XYZ Machining, Simpson Racing Products, CP-Carrillo, KSE Power Steering, FK Rod Ends, BMRS, Allstar Performance, Saldana Racing Products, Vortex Wings, DMI, Wilwood Brakes, Kinsler Fuel Injection, Hwy. 79 Collision.
Submitted By: Bryan Hulbert