UNTIL A RESTART AND RAIN HITSThe first race for Nascar Drive for Diversity Driver Katie Hagar and Golden State Racing had a great day at the race track Saturday March 21st. With the help of Holliday Inn Hotel & Suites in Madera, California, allowed the team to stay overnight after Friday’s Test Session and back at the track early Saturday morning for a competitive Race Day.

 


Katie hit the charts 2nd fastest out of a field of fourteen at Madera Speedway in practice.  “The car is handling really well..honestly I haven’t been so comfortable in a race car like that, in a long time. I’m excited for this year and work well with everyone on the team. My crew chief Frank Vincent brings a lot to the table with me…and for me… we’re already getting into a routine.” Hagar was able to qualify 3rd out of the fourteen field of late models at Madera, with the stands full of fans for the first time since the Southwest touring serious was there. Hagar started eighth considering there was two fifty lap main events that were suppose to take place that night, weather permitting. When qualifying, the first lap is where you start in the first 50 Lapper and second lap is the qualifying position for the second 50 lap event.The start of the Race the #14 GSR was able to work her way up to a 6th place position within ten laps of the first 50 lap main event. With only two cautions Katie made her way up behind team mate Eric Schmidt for the 3rd place position. Rain hovered over the speedway starting to sprinkle while the field was getting ready for a restart. With only two laps to go, the field dove into turn 1 when cars slide coming into the apex of the flat Nascar sanctioned track.  Katie got hit in the left rear quarter panel causing her and two other cars to spin around. Caution flag was waved along with the checkered flag due to rain.“I’m not disappointed in the results, I know that all people see.. but I was told I gave one heck of a show to the fans and everyone on the team is pleased with my performance tonight. I know there’s a win in me and this car, together by the end of the year. I know we can get one!” “I’m ready to come back next week and do the same thing!” Katie stated after her first debut.

Katie Hagar’s next race at Madera Speedway will take place on March 28th. Stay tuned through www.KatieHagar.com and www.drivefordiversity.ning.com