Hendersonville, N.C. (12/04/11) – A young Ronnie Bassett, Jr. made his first appearance at a UARA event on September 19, 2009 at Dillon Motor Speedway and caught the attention of all that were there. Bassett brought home a 13th place finish following in the tracks of some of the UARA’s best like Kyle Grissom, Brandon McReynolds, Danny O’Quinn Jr., Jamey Caudill and Matt McCall.
Bassett returned to the UARA in 2010 for his rookie run. He had an average finish of 11.44 in 2010 with his highest finish being second at Lonesome Pine Speedway. He finished second in the rookie chase to Robert Johnson and 8th overall in the 2010 points.
Looking back onto the 2011 season Ronnie Bassett Jr., will remember his first UARA career win and a final seventh place finish in the Championship points. Bassett had a 5.42 average finish for 2011.
After winning the pole at Tri County, Bassett lost the lead to save tires and pull off one of the most exciting finishes of the 2011 season. Throughout the race, Andy Mercer and Garrett Campbell battled back and forth with the lead, Bassett anxiously awaiting his moment. With only 25 laps to go his spotter, Richy, told the young driver “here kitty, kitty, kitty” and the rest was history.
The win at Tri County was certainly one of many highlights to Bassett’s season, however his second win didn’t take quite as long. After taking a race off for family time at Disney, he was back in victory lane during the next event. Bassett fought his way through the field from 13th starting spot during the UARA-STARS Slawson Transmission 150 at Anderson. Not only did he pull off the win and Phantom’s 1st place award, but he was also awarded the Holley Performer award for gaining the most positions throughout the race.
Other awards Bassett won throughout the season were G-force shift of the race during both Rockingham events. This award is given to the driver whose driving skills and great saves on the track impressed the UARA officials. Racing Electroncis 2nd place award at Greenville, three Circle Wheel 4th place awards (Newport, Rockingham, and Hickory), Joe Gibbs 7th at Rockingham , and two Safety Kleen 12th awards (Kingsport and Newport) were also given to this talented driver.
After the amazing season that he and the Fat Head Racing team had, Bassett decided to take a different route for the 2012 season. Next year, Ronnie will be driving with his family’s race team, Bassett Racing. Racing along with Ronnie Bassett Jr will be younger brother Dillon who will be competing for the Rookie of the year title as big brother makes a bid for the 2012 Championship.
Fans need to watch out for the Bassett Brothers in the 04 and 44 racing machines because win is on there minds and determination in their hearts.
For more information the UARA, visit them online at uara-stars.com or call (828) 692-3833. Fans can also follow the series on Twitter (@uarastars) or Facebook (United Auto Racing Association)
