Florida United Pro Truck Series # 9
Oct. 09, 2012 - Florida United Pro Truck Series # 9 race at Citrus County Speedway 11-10-2012 It might have been a cold night at Citrus County Speedway in Inverness but the flames were flying in the pits. The Dylan Martin Race team had worked hard the night before to get the #7 truck handling. It was definitely a top 5 truck. Dylan was excited and said it was feeling smoother on the track than ever before. Qualifying results did not show how good the truck was or how deep Dylan was driving it in. The tires did not heat up as quickly as we needed them too. At race time, Dylan was fired up. He was anxious to show the crowd how quick he could put the Blackwater Integration Chevy in the front. Starting 13th out of 16 trucks was going to be a challenge, but one that Dylan was ready for. After the trucks took the green, the caution flag came out to do a complete restart. The #50 truck stopped quickly causing the #5 truck to slam into his rear bumper, and then the train reaction continued to Dylan, as his #7 ran up under the #5. Dylan and the #5 truck went directly to the pits. The Crew ready for everything replaced Dylan’s radiator in the truck in less than 9 minutes. Dylan pulled the truck up to the back gate ready to get back racing. He sat there for what seemed to be forever, as he watched the trucks go by lap after lap. It wasn’t until lap 26 when the next caution flag dropped, allowing the #7 Blackwater Integration Chevy back on the track. Four more cautions flew that night, one of which turned into a red flag for the track to clean up turn 3 and 4 after the leader blew his motor. The caution flag on lap 34 is when Chad Pierce (the chew chief) radioed to Dylan to pull it in the pits. He could not gain any positions by staying out. So when the checker flag dropped on lap 50, Dylan finished 15th. Dylan may not have won the race but he sure won the hearts of the fans. The trucks did not do an autograph session but that didn’t stop Dylan from going over to the grandstands after his race and having his own. The track announcer, Tony commented on Dylan’s determination on the track but also his appreciation of the fans. Dylan walked up and down the bleachers handing out autographed pictures, coloring books and shaking hands. It is easy to see why he is a fan favorite there. Come see Dylan in the final race of the season at Auburndale Speedway on Dec. 1st!
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