Amber Colvin’s racing journey has seen adversity and tragedy but, on Saturday night, the popular 21-year-old racer finally experienced triumph – scoring her first career Late Model victory.
Colvin’s victory came in the 50 lap Southeast Limited Late Model (SELLM) Challenger feature race at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, North Carolina after a hard fought battle with Shefflon Clay and Hayden Humphrey. Colvin started on the pole and led the first 21 laps until Humphrey got around her. She was able to regain the lead, using the outside line on a restart, with 11 laps to go.
“It was a nose-to-tail battle for sure,” Colvin told RACE22.com. “Just definitely a huge boost for myself and J&J Motorsports. We’ve been working really hard to run up front. We’ve just been falling short of that first win. It was dedicated to my father, very emotional for everyone involved. Just extremely grateful for it.”
Colvin’s father, Wayne, passed away in April 2014. He had helped her throughout much of her career and his passing sidelined her from racing, but it was also what reunited Colvin and J&J Motorsports team owner Scott Whitaker.
However, a long absence from the cockpit also raised questions about whether Colvin could still get the job done. She answered those questions with Saturday night’s win – one that she has knocked on the door of throughout her career.
“It’s always one of those things where you’re in a rut and only racing a few times a year and people questioned after so long,” Colvin remarked. “Can she still do it? I proved last night that I do and can still do it and belong in this sport.”
When Colvin and the J&J Motorsports team unloaded for practice, they were not sure they would be able to score the win. Colvin and her teammates, Doug and Trent Barnes, who competed in the SELLM Pro feature, all struggled in practice. They each worked together to make the entire team better. The result was not just a victory for Colvin, but also a second place finish for Doug Barnes and a third place finish for Doug’s younger brother, Trent Barnes.
“It was definitely a team effort,” Colvin explained. “We all struggled in practice. Going into qualifying, I had no idea what I would have. We made a few adjustments. It was a leap of faith there. Doug and Trent had issues in qualifying. We ended up racing better than what we thought we had going into the race. They’re always helpful. Christian Pahud also helped us out a lot as well and he was my spotter last night.”
Looking ahead, Colvin wants to continue racing anything she can, whether it’s in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Late Models or Legends cars.
“I’m looking for more opportunities to run with J&J,” she stated. “It’s sponsorship based. We’re looking for bigger, better things as well. I would love to race in K&N. I’d love to further my career and gain experience. I have a lot to learn. If you think you don’t, you’re mistaken. Staying in the seat is my main priority, whether it’s a Late Model or a Legends car.”
She doesn’t plan to rush her way up the ranks like many drivers have done. It’s patience and perseverance that have defined Amber Colvin and continue to define her.
“Being a female and still young, I have plenty of time. I’m not in a hurry. I want to go about it the right way. I want to make sure I’m ready for anything that’s thrown at me.”
While Colvin looks ahead to the future with optimism, she’s also relishing in the present, relishing in the satisfaction of a hard earned victory.
“Huge shout out to J&J. They’re the ones who made it all possible, worked really hard at it. I also want to thank Tom Pistone and the Southeast Limited Late Model Tour tour. I thoroughly enjoy running there. Tri-County has been extremely good to me. It felt good waking up this morning.”
