HAMPTON, VA :: Drivers took to the track for the first time during the second day of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine on Tuesday. Drivers quickly found out that Langley Speedway is a difficult track to get around.
“This track is a little small for me but I’m getting used to it,” NASCAR Toyota Series driver Ruben Garcia stated. “I like the way the car behaves.”
“I’ve learned that you need to be more careful and consistent,” California road course racer Kenny Stewart explained. “A simple mistake could cost you a race.”
Meagan Creech said the cars were tight all day. Creech is one of a handful of drivers that have logged laps around Langley Speedway before.
Many of the drivers come from dirt or Straight-Rail Super Late Model backgrounds. For those drivers, it was a matter of adjusting to a different track surface and a different style of racecar.
“I’ve learned a bunch today,” Nicole Behar said. “I’ve learned the new lines at each track and I’m learning more each time I come to the track. Learning the track on your first day is pretty hard.”
“Late Models are a lot different than dirt,” Kaitlynn Leer remarked. “I’m not a big fan of asphalt but I can get used to it. I’d love to do something with it… I can definitely get used to it. I just want to drive anything I can get my hands on.”
“I feel pretty good about my run,” Annabeth Barnes stated. “The track lost a lot of grip, especially with the Goodyear tire. It just went away so quickly.”
All 20 drivers took to the track for short runs in the morning and longer runs in the afternoon. During their downtime, they had the opportunity to take to an iRacing simulator set up in the infield to practice their driving line.
On-track activity continues on Wednesday.
