Series PR Report by Kassie Hughes
Photo by: Drew Hierwarter
Hendersonville, NC(December 24, 2012) –While the other top ten drivers in the Championship were Rookies or first-time full season drivers, Scott Turlington finished his fifth season with a podium finish. He claimed the third place position at the season finale at Rockingham Speedway on his birthday.
“Coming into the season, we were obviously running for a championship but knew that Nick and I had to work on our communication,” says Turlington. “By the end of the season, Nick and I have the best driver/crew chief communication I’ve ever had.”
The communication with the driver and the crew chief are crucial to have a successful team. Together the Mid-Atlantic Racing team brought home 10 top-10s, 4 top-5s, and one win. Turlington received numerous contingency awards for his top finishes including Circle Wheel’s 4th and 8th position, Tilton’s 5th and 10th position, WP Racing shocks 6th position, and Joe Gibbs 7th place position. With their win at Anderson, the team not only won the race but, JRI Shocks Top finisher, Five Star 1st, and Ford’s 1st. Throughout his UARA career, Turlington has had the most success at Anderson Motor Speedway. He has won two recording-breaking poles and his first UARA career win.
“It was awesome to have that breakthrough and to get that monkey off our back,” says the Virginian driver. “Getting that victory really helped us to get our momentum. Racing is 90% mental and 10% skill and knowing that you’ve won and can win will help any driver drive stronger. ”
While the team celebrates on getting that first win, they also look back on many other close opportunities. While Travis Swaim has led the most laps this season, Turlington has won the most Tilton’s Most Laps Led Award. He led the most laps at Dillon, Anderson, Lonesome Pine, and both visits to Newport. With his hardships he was awarded ARBodies Hard Luck Award twice.
“It seems like whatever I do there’s always something that prevents us from the win,” the no. 58 driver said. “There have been some mechanical issues like the studs breaking at Rockingham and the time when we had nowhere to go at Newport. We got tangled up in lap cars and wrecked a good car.”
Taking a look back at his season, Turlington is really happy with the way things worked out. They not only built strong cars, but a strong team who had never worked together. For next season, the team is hoping to spice things up by trying to run with other series as well as some UARA races.
Fans can keep up with Scott Turlington by following him, along with the other UARA-STARS on Twitter, @uarastars, and “like” them on Facebook under the United Auto Racing Association.
