Not the Debut I Planned, but here’s what happened at the Folsom Fence Supply 125.
Racing doesn’t always go the way you draw it up. This past Saturday at Southern National Motorsports Park was a hard reminder of that.
I didn’t make the Folsom Fence Supply 125. Here’s the full story, no excuses, just the facts.
Rain Changed Everything Before We Ever Hit the Track
Practice was cut short due to rain, which forced us into a last-second setup change to try and put the No. 19 in the best position possible for qualifying. The problem? I hadn’t had enough time on track to get comfortable with those changes.
When I went out to qualify, I drove too deep into the corner, and there was still water on the track in that exact spot. I lost grip, the car went loose, and that was enough to cost me the lap time I needed to make the field.
We didn’t have a provisional to fall back on. So we loaded up.
What I’m Taking From It
That one stings. My CARS Tour debut weekend, and we never got to take the green flag.
But here’s the truth: that moment in qualifying is on me. The conditions were tough, the setup was different, and I didn’t adjust fast enough behind the wheel. That’s a lesson I’m not going to forget. You have to be ready to adapt in real time, especially at this level of competition. The CARS Tour doesn’t give you a second chance in qualifying, and neither does water on a race track.
We’ll be better for it. That’s not a cliche. That’s the only way I know how to process a weekend like this.
To Everyone Who Showed Up
I don’t take the people in my corner for granted, especially after a weekend like this one.
To my crew: Tommy Systma, Zach Gobble, Joe Robinson, and spotter Jacob Witt — thank you for putting in the work and standing by the No. 19. None of this happens without you.
To our technical partners: Torp Chassis, Clark’s Automotive Engines, Cale Gale Shocks, and Simpson/Stilo Safety Gear — the equipment was ready. We’ll make sure the result matches it next time.
To our sponsors Balance of Nature and P1 Web Development: your support means everything, and we’re going to make you proud.
And to my parents and grandparents: thank you for everything. Always.
We’re Back at It on Wednesday
The hauler barely had time to cool down.
This Wednesday, I’ll be back at Southern National Motorsports Park for Speed Week, a 125-lap Late Model race with $5,000 on the line. Same track. Fresh start. A whole lot of motivation.
Saturday didn’t go our way. Wednesday is a new race.
Let’s go. 🏁
