Editor’s observe: Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing, is writing a , giving a peek into the NASCAR life throughout Speedweek. That is Saturday’s entry.
In my , I mentioned that I needed Saturday to be a run-of-the-mill sort of day and, primarily, it was. We would have liked to see the place we had been with our rebuilt racecar, and we did that … for essentially the most half.
We ran 12 laps in ultimate apply — essentially the most of anybody — however none got here within the draft. So, we be ok with the pace in our No. 51 Jacob Development/Elements Plus/Pronto Auto Service Heart Ford Mustang Darkish Horse, however with the ability to understand how it will’ve carried out within the draft is one thing that will’ve made us relaxation a bit of simpler.
Nonetheless, our automobile did draft effectively in earlier than we acquired wrecked coming to the end. However after placing all new entrance bodywork on it, together with a brand new rear bumper, we needed to know the place we stood aerodynamically.
That being mentioned, an infinite quantity of effort was put into making our automobile race prepared. Credit score to the crew at Rick Ware Racing for making it really feel like new once more. It was no small feat, as all of the work occurred right here in our storage stall at Daytona. The consolation of our race store the place all of the elements and items are available, and the instruments and the setup plate are all proper there, would’ve made this rebuild quite a bit simpler. However that’s not actuality. Our race store is 500 miles north of Daytona — a strong seven-hour automobile trip one approach to North Carolina. There wasn’t time to make that journey. Every part that wanted to be carried out, wanted to be carried out right here in Daytona.
Our guys hunkered down and did an exceptional job. We had no main points. We rolled out of our storage stall and turned a bunch of laps. We’ve acquired good purpose to carry our heads excessive and, now, it’s only a matter of wiping away all that adversity and specializing in the current.
You may name the evening earlier than the a faculty evening, at the very least it’s for me. It’s about getting a superb evening’s sleep and taking good care of myself so I can ship for 500 miles on Sunday. Saturday’s been about staying hydrated, consuming effectively and simply clearing my head to be proper for the race. With 40 different vehicles on this yr’s , you’ve acquired be in your sport bodily and mentally. Getting your physique proper is simply as essential as getting your automobile proper.
This has not been a simple Daytona Speedweek. It’s undoubtedly examined us. However I’d wish to assume the struggles we’ve confronted this week have made us stronger, the place all of it culminates with an awesome day on Sunday when it issues most.
