Fourth place finish boosts Hodges NASCAR state points run

Steven Blakesley / Bobby Hodges Racing

Carson City, NV – Bobby Hodges guided his trusty white #89 Nevada Automotive Test Center Chevrolet towards a fourth place finish in Saturday’s “Toyota/TRD 100” for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif.

Racing on Independence Day for the Marine Corps made the finish even more satisfying for Hodges.

Hodges’ team transported both their white #89 entry and their newly repaired black #88 entry to the race track. Because the #88 car did not set a qualifying time during the afternoon, the team was unable to race it.

The decision turned into a blessing in disguise as the team’s workhorse car helped Hodges turn in a strong performance.

“A top-five here with this car is definitely good,” Hodges said. “I was biding my time out there but ran out of it.”

Hodges qualified a slightly disappointing tenth fast out of 19 cars, but he made up for it by moving up to fifth place by just lap nine. Hodges then moved past Juan Pitta on lap 13 to take over foruth.

The Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student continued his run to the front by taking over third on lap 29. The long green flag run finally ended on lap 40, and the racing for the win began to get exciting after that.

Hodges fended off a challenge from Jonathan Mawhinney while the top-two cars battled. He reeled the leaders in on lap 78 and the dicing turned into a three-wide battle down the backstretch with Hodges on the outside.

“I saw a hole, went for it, and the car just hooked up,” Hodges said. “It got real crazy there for a few laps.”

In a battle that harkened back to the 2006 JD Moore Memorial at Shasta Raceway Park, Hodges found himself in a prime position for the win.

But after falling back to third, Hodges made a strong push for second that ended up costing him the third position.

“I was focused on Romero, and Moore took advantage,” Hodges said. “I was definitely better than (Moore) but ran out of laps.”

Hodges will now take an extended break until July 25, as the team focuses on a late season push in its new #88 black Chevrolet.

Hodges thanks his crew, sponsors, and parents for all their support throughout his career.

Race fans can learn more online at www.bobbyhodges.net