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Topics: BFGoodrich Tires 250, Jake Hobgood

ISCARS To Race At Music City Motorplex

Loraine Hobgood
ISCARS
May 13, 2005

Jake Holds Anything But Aces At Ace Speedway

Winnsboro, SC - Practice went smoothly for the Hobgood Motorsports team at Ace Speedway on May 6th. Although not the fastest on the board, the car was handling well and only minor adjustments were needed. The best time of the practice sessions was a 15.717 at 91.621mph posted by Mark McFarland in the Dale Earnhardt Jr. owned Winfuel Chevrolet.

Jake’s best lap was a 16.040 at 89.776mph.

Overcast conditions prevailed most of the day and the car was set up accordingly, but by qualifying time the sun broke through making a slick surface out of the four-tenths oval and creating the need for an adjustment to the car. No adjustments can be made however after qualifying and Jake’s lap time was a time of 16.144 which was a little slower than his practice times. The polesetter, Mark McFarland, turned the fastest time of the day at 15.675 setting a new track record.

Lining up in the 22nd spot for the start of the “BFGoodrich Tires 250”, Jake knew he was in trouble. Unable to get forward bite, he began losing ground immediately. An early caution for a spinning car is called on lap 44 and Jake, who has already lost two positions, dives into the pits for the much needed adjustment. The adjustment was made and Jake began advancing, claiming the 8th place position before time to return for tires and gas. He repositions himself in 17th place for the restart since several cars chose not to pit for track position. The green flag waves and once again Jake is on the move, climbing approximately two positions every ten laps.

The race is over the half way mark when Jake gets a nose under the #16 car of Jason Sarvis to race for the 9th position….the cars touch and Sarvis goes around. On lap 155 the race is restarted and Jake continues gaining ground, capturing 6th place in less than 10 laps! At this point, the #17 car of Mike Garvey has closed in and is on Jake’s tail. It took quite a number of laps but Mike manages to get a nose under Jake and presents a challenge for the 6th position. Garvey succeeds, taking the spot from Jake. Immediately closing in behind Garvey, Jake is tapped by another car trying to take advantage of the pass. Jake goes around. Another pit stop is mandatory now to change the flat spotted tires from the spin. The Germain / Arnold arsenal on pit road hustle saving every second they can to get Jake back out before the leaders come around and put him a lap down. It was a gamble…and anyone would have tried it, but Jake didn’t hold the aces he needed. Jake’s exit off pit road doesn’t allow enough time to distance himself from the leaders and he is overcome before the car has reached full speed.

Although he tries to get out of their way, he is tapped and sent for a wild ride! The car had to be taken apart in order to load due to the extensive damages received. Jake is fine and hopes to be able to race the next Hooters Pro Cup Series event scheduled at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on June 4th. The Friday night adventure dropped Jake to 4th in Rookie standings and 18th in overall points.

Hobgood Motorsports would like to thank these fine sponsors for their support in the “BF Goodrich 250” event: Precision Engine Service, Pepsi Bottling Company, Express Coatings & Germain / Arnold Racing.

Keeping Tabs On Our Gang