HODGES BRINGS HOME FOURTH RUNNER-UP FINISH IN ALTAMONT LATE MODELS

Source: Bobby Hodges Racing/sb
Date: 08/21/2008

CARSON CITY, Nevada– 18 year-old Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV continued his fantastic season at Altamont Raceway Park in Tracy, CA in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models, in Saturday’s “Girls Day at the Track 100,” finishing second.

“This race was a big step forward for us,” Hodges said. “Every race we’re getting closer to that first win.”

Hodges, in his third season in Late Model competition, has racked up a strong resume in his eight starts in 2008. Focusing primarily on the Westcar Series events, Hodges has scored seven top-fives and eight top-tens.

Hodges has finished in second four times this season, against fields averaging 30 cars in size on the half-mile asphalt oval track.

On Saturday, Hodges was in a race-long duel with standout Gary Glenn. After leading the race briefly for eight laps, the battle for second was on.

“It was definitely fun racing somebody of that caliber,” Hodges said. “He raced me and it shows we have respect for each other.”

Hodges finally took the position on lap 92. A late race restart gave Hodges a look at race leader Jason Gilbert but he settled for second.

“We just need to fine tune the setup to get that first win,” Hodges said. “Saturday’s car was the best car I’ve ever driven.”

Hodges and team have made the four hour trek to Altamont throughout the season, and have adapted to time on the road.

“It’s been hard being on the road all the time, but at Altamont you get a chance to race against the best in California,” Hodges said.

The talented teen is destined for Cal Poly SLO in the fall, studying mechanical engineering. Hodges has already earned experience in this field, working on military operations for Nevada Automotive Test Center, his main sponsor.

The move will mean that Hodges will be away from the day-to-day work on the race car, something that will be a new experience for him.

“Going to school is going to be a new challenge,” Hodges said. “I’m a little nervous about the car because I like to have a hands-on attitude.”

Bobby Hodges will make his ninth start of the season Saturday August 30 at Altamont Raceway Park in the Tri-Holiday Classic. Hodges currently runs second in the Tri-Holiday points standings entering the event.

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