Cumming Steals Second Expert Class Win at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Millville, June 13, 2009: Defending 2008 Expert Series Champion Chris Cumming had his eyes set on the prize this weekend as he searched for his second Expert Class victory of the season today. With a consistent car and his goal of winning in mind, he stole the Expert Class win this afternoon. With 68 points on hand, he is now leading the Expert Class championship going into the second race of the doubleheader weekend tomorrow in New Jersey.

Taylor Hacquard was confident starting in 5th, his career best, but despite having a complaint-free car and an advantageous starting position, Taylor was involved in a turn 1 incident on the first lap of the race, causing him to damage his car and lose several positions, finishing in 16th position.

J.C. Kester hoped a fresh setup would improve his finish in today’s race, but after finishing towards the back, he continues to search for consistency within his speed as he prepares for the second race of the weekend tomorrow. Kristy Kester was a hot car to watch in the field during the first several laps of the race. She started in 13th position and had advanced six positions up to 7th until her tires starting giving out, dropping her back to finish in her initial starting position of 13th.

Chris Cumming, #16

Chris on the race: “I’m so happy to win my second Expert Class race of the season today. The car was really consistent during the race until the restart near the end. After that, it started getting a little loose, and I lost a couple positions, but I’m still happy with finishing first in my class. I’m looking forward to doing it again in tomorrow’s race.”

Taylor Hacquard, #15

Taylor on the race: “On the first lap of the race, I went 3-wide with Anders Krohn and Richard Kent going into turn one. I was on the inside and went off the track. I managed to get back on the track, but I ripped my diffuser and broke my clutch in that incident which caused me to drop back way too many positions. After doing well in my first qualifying session, I know I can do it again, so I’m going to try to get another good qualifying start tomorrow. What happened today was unfortunate, but we’ll get it again in qualifying tomorrow, and I’ll get another chance in the second race.”

J.C. Kester, #24

J.C. on the race: “The car was definitely the best it’s been all week in the race today, but we still need to do some work to get it where we want it to be. It’s consistent to drive, but now we just need to find consistent speed. We have some work to do before the race tomorrow, but hopefully we’ll be able to find that speed before the second race.”

Kristy Kester, #48

Kristy on the race: “The car was great, and I was doing really well for the first six laps of the race today, but we had too much pressure in the tires and they came off too quickly which is why I dropped back to where I started. I was also having issues with my brakes, so we’re trying to fix those things before tomorrow’s race. Once we get everything sorted out, we should be better for tomorrow.”