Mason Diaz is ready to return to New Smyrna Speedway after strong runs last season at the Florida track propelled him to Rookie of the Year honors in the state.
Diaz will compete in a 100 lap Pro Late Model race on Friday night and in the Super Late Model on Saturday. He comes to New Smyrna hoping to rebound after a rough start to the season in Cordele, Georgia back in January.
“We’re looking to rebound for sure,” Diaz said. “We’ve got a good car, always do. I’m hoping to keep it in one piece and hopefully come away with a couple wins this weekend. We’ve run well here at New Smyrna in the past so I know how to get around here and Mike Darne always prepares good cars for us so hopefully we’ll have some luck on our side and get a good finish.”
Last season, Diaz made a handful of starts at New Smyrna, including a breakout run in the Red Eye 100 where he won the pole and finished inside the top-10. His performances in the Red Eye 100 and the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing allowed him to win NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Rookie of the Year honors in the state of Florida.
This season, Diaz will be focused on running Super Late Model races, as well as a handful of premiere Late Model Stock Car races. A strong run at New Smyrna would pay dividends after being caught up in an early accident in the ARCA/CRA Speedfest race in Cordele.
This season, Diaz also comes in with the backing of Solid Rock Carriers out of La Grange, North Carolina.
“We’re excited to have Kirk Ipock and Solid Rock Carriers step up and sponsor us,” Diaz remarked. “He’s done a lot for short track racing and for my career, sponsoring us in the Snowball Derby last year as well as in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Hopefully we can put his company logo in victory lane tonight.”
Friday night’s Pro Late Model race and Saturday night’s Super Late Model race will both commence at 7pm on their respective days and can be seen live on FansChoice.TV. Additionally, NASCAR Home Tracks and Speed51 will be providing coverage throughout the weekend as well.
