Sellersburg, IN –After a mid-season change in schedule, 19 year old Cole Williams was excited to be heading to Lebanon I-44 Speedway, where the youngster captured the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Missouri State Championship and Rookie of the Year in 2013, along with the track championship and rookie of the year.
The team traveled there this past weekend in hopes to get the car tuned in for the upcoming JEGS/CRA Mercy’s Masters of the Pro’s 144 touring event. After a few practices and qualifying, they felt their 2015 Port City Racecar was ready to go as Cole put up the 2nd fastest qualifying lap for the evening. By winning his heat race, the Kulwicki Driver Development finalist found himself starting 13th in the main event. At the drop of the green flag, Cole maneuvered a hole that had opened up, taking him from 13th to 6th by the completion of the first lap. This talented young man set his sights on moving to the front for the remainder of the race, eventually making the winning pass with 9 laps to go to pick up his first win of the 2015 season.
“This is just what our team needed heading into next week’s race “, exclaimed Cole. “We were struggling earlier in practice getting the car where I liked, but in the last practice we made some big changes that paid off and helped us be able to take the trip to victory lane tonight.”
He celebrated with a polish victory lap in honor of Alan Kulwicki. Cole stated, “It meant a lot to be able to do that to honor Alan. The whole KDDP organization has helped so much this season; it is a blessing to be a small part of it.”
Cole was selected as 1 of 7 finalists to compete for the Kulwicki Cup this season. At the most recent release of points for the KDDP, Cole is trailing behind the other 6 drivers.
“I have struggled with getting races in due to Mother Nature. The KDDP give points based on our top 15 races. I had 3 which I feel hurt me in the points early. However, I think that officially makes me the “underdog”. Like Alan, there were many challenges he had to overcome to make it to the top; I plan to try my best just as he would, to get to the top.” Cole quoted Alan by saying, “If you don’t believe, you don’t belong”, well I believe I belong and will keep working hard until everyone else believes it too.”
Cole will be back in action this weekend at Lebanon I-44 Speedway; where there are 43 drivers already preregistered including Sterling Marlin, John Hunter Nemechek, and many other well-known names in the industry. Cole had a great car for it last year where he led 84 laps before a flat tire ended his night. He believes that his 2015 Port City is even better than last years.
Many people have attributed to Cole’s success along the way.
“Have to always thank the Lord above; He continues to bless this team. Of course, I need to thank the many sponsors over the years that have never hesitated to help out; Cardinal Services, Bordeau Metals, Rite-Way Industries, JOES Racing, Wheel Chill, JEGS, Wallace Race Car Lettering, Bower & Associates, MPM Marketing, and many more. Also can’t forget my family, friends, and the fans. Their support is incredible.”
You can learn more about Cole by visiting www.colewilliamsracing.com as well as following him @colewillracing on Twitter or Cole Williams Racing on Facebook. For marketing opportunities please contact Tonya McCallister with MPM Marketing.
