STARS Open New Season at Daytona

After a much needed Week 13 break, the S.T.A.R.S Series and it's drivers loaded up the haulers and packed their bags to head to the famed Daytona International Speedway.

A new season, new drivers, and a new tire model, it was really anyones race at Daytona. The S.T.A.R.S drivers showed up in full for the opening race, with 13 of the previous years top 20 showing up, and 24 go or go homers, it was sure to be an entertaining night of racing.

Everyone transferred from the Qualifying Server, so we had 37 drivers waiting to take the green. The draft was in full effect during practice, drivers were wheelin' and dealin' trying to make friends for the 50 lap showdown. David Boden lead the way in practice followed by Graham Adelman, TJ Majors, Toby Jenkins and Dwight Plesh, all veterans of the S.T.A.R.S  Series.

When it came time for qualifying, it was a new face that was able to beat the "veterans" and grab his first career pole in his first career start. Adam Bluhm was the fastest qualifier followed by Doug Heveron, Graham Adelman, Toby Jenkins and Tom Heveron Sr. The top 30 were only seperated by 3 tenths, so the race was sure to be close.

Adam was able to jump out to the early lead followed by the pack of 30 trucks. Trouble struck early for some of our racers as the 98 of Graham Adelman clipped the apron and when he was coming back on track, trucks just ran out of room. With fuel mileage on everyones mind, the drivers didnt know whether to pit or try and save fuel and hope for more caution laps.

For those that chose to wait and bank on caution laps, there gamble paid off. The caution flag flew 6 times during the race, with the "big one" happening around lap 30. While running 4th, the #56 of Darrell McKee was in the high lane when the #4 of Josh Wronkowski hit the apron and moved up the track making contact. The drivers were just along for the ride then as parts and pieces were flying. That is the big risk of these Superspeedway races, close racing, and big groups, its almost a recipe for a wreck.

The race would run the final 8 laps under green, the #6 of Dominic Carelli and the #29 of Joshua Williams were trying there best to get by the #12 of Adam Bluhm and the #15 of Chuck Chambliss, but the #6 and #29 just couldn't make it work as the #12 and #15 powered along the bottom.

Adam Bluhm took the checkers followed by Chuck Chambliss, Doug Heveron, Joshua Williams and TJ Majors.

It felt good to be back behind the wheel of a truck again, and I am very excited about this season. See you all next week at the Monster Mile of Dover!