VINCENT NOBILE RELISHES
CHANCE TO GET BEHIND PRO
STOCK WHEEL IN ORLANDO
VINCENT NOBILE HAS been a fixture at the
race track since he’s been in diapers, which
is why last year was so difficult for the talented
driver.
At least for one weekend, Nobile got the Pro
Stock fix he’s been missing.
After the team was parked following
the 2018 season, Nobile and
his father stepped away from the
class, and it was undoubtedly a difficult
decision for the 13-time Pro
Stock winner.
While a full-time return may
not be in the cards at the moment,
Nobile drove an Elite Motorsports
Camaro at the World Doorslammer
Nationals.
Nobile fell in the opening round
of eliminations, understandably never getting
in perfect rhythm, but he remained full of
excitement.
“It felt good to be back in the car,” Nobile said.
“That’s something you just can’t explain. I definitely
missed it and it definitely felt good to be
back out here. I can say I certainly miss it. There’s
times I really get bummed out about it.
“Like I tell anybody — and I’ve never done any
sort of drugs in my life — this has to be worse than
drugs. You can’t get it out of your system. It’s just
one of those things that becomes an addiction.”
Nobile qualified 14th with a 6.532 at 211.43,
making a series
of runs
in the 6.50s
and showcase
the driving prowess that made him one of
the top drivers in the class.
“I felt pretty comfortable. They say it’s like
riding a bike and I’ve got quite a few runs under
my belt,” Nobile said. “Naturally, you have some
nerves, but I felt really comfortable in the car
and it went right down the track. It’s going well
so far. I’m out here having a good time and I get
to make a few laps. I’m just happy to be out here,
to be completely honest. It feels right, like where
I’m supposed to be.”
Nobile is as natural of a talent as anyone in the
class, but when funding went away, he was forced
to step away from the sport.
He worked with Elite Motorsports team owner
Richard Freeman to put together a deal, but
Nobile isn’t seeking out full-season sponsorships.
He also wasn’t about to rule anything out following
these two races.
“Will it turn into more? Who knows. We’ll see,”
Nobile said.
Nobile isn’t actively seeking a sponsor, noting
that part of things is a full-time job in itself. Still,
there’s no denying Nobile has missed being behind
the wheel. The thrill on Nobile’s face in Orlando was
obvious, and he treasured the time with his father.
The only downside?
“This was probably a bad idea to come out,”
Nobile said. “I’ll be going through withdrawals
real bad now. – JOSH HACHAT DI
SHANE TUCKER ENJOYS
MASSIVE PROGRESS
IN ORLANDO
SHANE TUCKER’S plans changed for the start
of the 2020 season, but he was more than
happy with the result.
Initially not expecting to start his season until
much later in the year, Tucker raced at the World
Doorslammer Nationals in Orlando, campaigning
a sharp black, gray and pink Auzmet Architectural
Camaro powered by Elite Motorsports.
He looked strong throughout the weekend,
going a career-best 6.502-seconds at 212.23 mph
in qualifying, and picking up a first-round win.
It came about quickly, but the Australia native
was pleased with the chance to compete at the
inaugural race this weekend at Orlando Speed
World Dragway.
“We hadn’t planned to race until Indy, but this
opportunity came up and it all sort of worked out,”
Tucker said. “I expressed some interest in the
race, (team owner) Richard (Freeman) and I had
a conversation, and it all sort of came together.
It’s a pretty good deal here, and hopefully we can
keep progressing.”
Things came together pretty quickly for Tucker,
who made steady progress to end 2019. He won
a round last year in Dallas, but didn’t think he
would have a chance to continue that good stretch
until Indy in September.
This opportunity was too good to pass up,
leasing a motor from Elite Motorsports. It’s a
program that allowed Tucker the chance to have
an immediate and noticeable impact, which is
important to the part-time racer who spends
most of his year in Australia.
“Honestly, I think Richard gives you every opportunity
to run well,” Tucker said. “You can’t put
an amount on seat time. I’m comfortable with
how I drove last year, and we’ve got a great chance
to run with everyone at the top.” – JOSH HACHAT DI
May 2020
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