Schmidt puts on drive of the night to finish fifth in All-Star Late Models

Roseville, Calif. January 27, 2009: Roseville Late Model standout Eric Schmidt shined on the national stage, taking the Golden State Racing Chevrolet from 20th to fifth in the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Late Model race on Saturday night.

Nearly 50 entries appeared for the Late Model portion of the three-division program. After numerous rain delays at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., qualifying and all but one practice session were cancelled. After a long weekend of waiting, the Late Model feature, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, was held at 11 p.m. after the Camping World Series event had concluded.

Despite practicing fourth, Schmidt drew a 20th starting position for the race. The 75 lap event was shortened in an effort to complete racing in a timely fashion. As usual with Schmidt, the numerous challenges and adversity didn’t faze him. The veteran Late Model champion charged forward through three- and four-wide battles, using the less than 30 green flag laps to pick off 15 cars.

The team benefited from the experience of Ty Joiner, who was in attendance assisting the team. The race was ended on lap 55 after a violent crash between the leaders in turn three. If the additional 20 laps had been completed, the Golden State Racing team felt they could have been a contender for the race win.

Despite the challenges, the race was valuable for the team’s sponsors. A large crowd and a substantial television audience on SPEED witnessed Schmidt’s run to the front. Schimdt and his new teammate Katie Hagar will now turn their attention towards preparations for the 2009 Madera Speedway championship run. Both drivers will be competing for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track, state, and national titles on the one-third mile oval just outside Fresno.