LOUISVILLE, KY :: Ben Rhodes has visited Langley Speedway in Virginia, and has even turned laps there in a Legends Car in 2010, but has never raced at the track in a full-bodied car. However, the 16-year-old NASCAR Next racer might have an edge going in to the Saturday, July 27th, “Hampton Heat” NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock event as he received expert advice from his teammates on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East side as well as a local Late Model superstar.
Rhodes and his Hawk-McCall Motorsports team will head to the track this weekend in the No. 11 Alpha Energy Solutions ride for the first time (number change from No. 41 due to a local driver having that number already), but it was a test Rhodes attended with his Turner Scott Motorsports KNPSE teammates Dylan Kwasniewski, Kenzie Ruston, and Austin Dyne where he picked up some advance knowledge.
“I rode up to Langley Speedway with my Turner Scott Motorsports teammates to observe and help out as needed prior to their race there in June,” said Rhodes. “I learned a lot watching and listening to my teammates. Even though he isn’t a part of TSM, C.E. Falk came over and really gave us some great information. He is a great racer and is really good at Langley Speedway. He took me around the track and showed me the line. Getting that type of insider information from one of the best Late Model drivers was very valuable heading into this weekend’s race.”
Even with the expert advice, Rhodes knows it will be a tough event this weekend.
“Most of the drivers that will be there have years of experience in Late Models over me and a lot of them are regulars at Langley Speedway. Plus I will have to race against C.E. too. But Lee McCall and the Hawk-McCall Motorsports team will have a great Alpha Energy Solutions car under me, and I hope I can take what I learned from my TSM teammates, C.E., and Lee, and apply it to Saturday’s race. Hopefully we can be there at the end and I can battle with them for the victory.”
Rhodes is also sponsored by Alliance Comfort Systems, Kentucky National Guard, Refrigerant Rescue, and Park Community Federal Credit Union.
The “Hampton Heat” at Langley Speedway takes place on Saturday, July 27th. Qualifying will kick off at 4:15pm with local features starting at 7:00pm. The Hampton Heat Late Model Stock race is scheduled for an approximate green flag at 9:00pm. Updates throughout the event on Rhodes can be followed at www.twitter.com/benrhodesinc. For the full event schedule and tickets, visit www.langley-speedway.com.
