Making just his third start in a full-bodied stock car, 14-year-old Ryan Rackley raced to a runner-up result in Saturday’s PRA Tours SouthEast Limited Late Model Series event at Caraway Speedway.
The native of Valdosta, Ga., qualified his Lee Faulk Racing and Development No. 1 third for the 75-lap race. He remained patient throughout the race, moving up one spot to finish second at the checkered flag.
“I am relieved to be back in the race car after a few rainouts, so to finish runner up makes it even better,” said Rackley, a veteran of Legend Car competition. “The guys at Lee Faulk Racing brought me a great car tonight. It’s all about learning for me at this point, so bringing home the car in one piece was the ultimate goal.
“Finishing second here is a lot like a win for me and this team. I think if I keep learning it won’t be long before I pick up a trophy.”
Two-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race winner David Reutimann, who works as Rackley’s crew chief, was impressed with how Rackley handled himself Saturday night.
“Ryan did a really good job tonight,” said Reutimann. “He was fast, he was patient, he didn’t overdrive the car and he brought it home in one piece. We really couldn’t have asked for much more than that, so finishing second on top of all that is fantastic. I can’t wait to see what he does for an encore.”
Rackley was quick to thank Reutimann and his team for giving him a good car to race with during his Caraway Speedway debut.
“The guys at Lee Faulk Racing always bring quality race cars to the track and David is such a wealth of knowledge,” Rackley said. “I am surrounded by a lot of knowledgeable people and I am so appreciative of that. I’m glad I could bring home a great finish for David, Lee Faulk Racing, and all of my partners, friends and family.”
