Sterling Seeks to Rekindle Magic for Battle at the Beach
November 15, 2015
MYRTLE BEACH, So. Carolina – Having finished one car outside the cutoff in the final qualifying race for the 2014 Myrtle Beach 400, Roddey Sterling, Jr. thought his day was done. The disappointed, Sterling, Jr. the NASCAR Rookie with only 15 races under his belt headed back to the race hauler to decompress.
As Sterling along with (8) other teams some as far away as the west coast prepared to load out and exit Myrtle Beach Speedway, NASCAR officials appeared in Sterling's race hauler sharing the news that he had been selected for their one contingency spot starting whereby he would start in the 32nd place of the 22nd annual prestigious Myrtle Beach NASCAR 400.
Making good on the offer, Sterling not only survived the intense 200-lap race, he finished on the lead lap in 22nd among the best of the best Pro Late model stock car drivers in the country.
Following a successful season in the NASCAR Whelen All American and CARS Tour Pro Late Model series, Sterling is ready to return to this upscale late model stock car race at the historic Myrtle Beach Speedway … attempting to break into the top ten and equal his best finishes of the 2015 season in the company of these professional drivers from around the nation.
The 23rd annual event, which will likely draw 40 some race teams from all over the USA, climactic 200-lap race featuring a field of thirty… meaning some eight to ten teams will have to load up to only try again next year.
Hoping to be among those who make the cut, Sterling reflects on his experience last season, and the changes that have occurred since.
"Last year, was a real honor for me, as there were eight other drivers and teams with far more experience than me that could have received that contingency," recalled that. "Several long time team owners and race track officials later told me that I may be the only driver in the 400's history to had only 15 races under my belt, receive a contingency spot and finish on the lead lap. I trained the first half of last year and raced the last half, so hearing that really made me feel good. This year, I'd like to straight-up qualify and take our MoonPie Ford towards a contention for the win… or at least a top ten. Grissom Motorsports continues to seat me in a really good car and I've got a full season under my belt now with some good finishes this year. I was thrilled about getting the contingency last year as well as where I finished considering as little experience as I had… but that was then… this is now. I am going to continue to raise my own bar and expect more out of myself as I get more seat time."
The 23rd-annual "Uno Battle at the Beach" takes the green flag Sunday, November 21st at 3pm. Practice sessions begin on Thursday, November 19, and qualifying events commence on Friday, November 20. Gates open at 9am all three days.
