Mason Diaz is heading to South Alabama Speedway in Kinston, Alabama with hopes of winning Saturday’s Baby Rattler 125 Pro Late Model weeks after a big win at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida.
Diaz, 17, from Manassas, Virginia, picked up the win in the biggest Pro Late Model race at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing in New Smyrna back in Februrary, holding off veteran racer Mike Skinner. With that victory in his rear-view mirror, he has plenty of confidence heading into Saturday’s Rattler 125. However, regardless of his record, his goal is always the same.
“Coming off the win in Florida doesn’t change anything that I plan,” Diaz said. “Whenever we go to the track, we go to win. Mike Darne Racing and Fury Racecars work hard and when we go to a track and finish up front, it shows.”
Saturday’s race will be Diaz’s first trip to South Alabama Speedway and he will find himself racing, once again, against elite Pro Late Model competitors. While Diaz hopes to win, his primary goals are to run well and finish strong.
“My goals are to learn the track and finish the best we can,” Diaz remarked. “It will be my first time. We have a lot of practice so, if everything goes as planned, we will be fine I believe. I want to be able to finish all the laps and learn as much as possible.”
If Diaz wins, he will participate in one of the most frightening victory lane celebrations in short track racing. It is tradition for the winner to pose, in victory lane, with a rattlesnake around its neck, which is not a celebration many would be eager to partake in. However, Diaz does not mind.
“I am a fan of snakes,” Diaz commented. “I think they are cool. I grew up with having snakes around.”
The Rattler 125 will take place on Saturday, March 17th. Qualifying will commence at 3pm Central time the green flag will fly at 7pm Central time. Speed51.com will have live “Trackside Now” coverage throughout the event and live, PPV coverage online of the Rattler 125.
Diaz will be supported by Solid Rock Carriers, Mike Darne Racing, The Sign Shop and Fury Racecars.
