Modified Racer Elliott Despain Earns Two Weekly Racing Program Wins
- Jul 22, 2011
After laying down the second quickest time of the evening during the modified time trials, and winning the second heat, Despain entered the feature with a bode of confidence. Starting on the outside in the front row, he took the lead in the second turn, and managed to fight off Benji Lee for the victory in the twenty lap race. At the race's end, Despain said, "I want to dedicate this win to Pop (Elliott Despain's paternal grandfather, who passed away in October of 2011), as I know he is celebrating with us." The driver also dedicated his long-awaited victory to his parents, crew and patient sponsors. After placing 13th in early July at the Midwest Modified Mania, at Moler Raceway, in Williamsburg, Ohio, Elliott Despain and his team headed for Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside Kentucky. At the night's end, Despain had managed to log yet another victory in the modified race action. In fact, the driver was obviously in his zone on that particular night. After posting the fastest lap in the modified qualifying race, he won his heat race, setting himself up in a great position for the feature. When the green flag dropped and the main was underway, Despain bolted to the lead and never looked back. Holding the number one position throughout the entire 20 lap event, he scored his ninth career victory. Although plagued with a stretch of winless races, Despain's confidence level was fairly high prior to his victory at Ponderosa Speedway. Referring to his confidence level, the driver stated, "It was pretty good. We had some good runs for the month leading up to that night. We had a couple of fast times, a few heat race wins and a top five car in most features." Recalling the race, he continued, "Well, we qualified good, won the heat and started 2nd in the feature so when all of that falls your way, that's always a plus for your race team. It was awesome! I'd been going there since I was a little kid and to finally be able to win one meant a lot to me." Referring to his dedication of the race to his grandfather, Elliott shared, "It meant the world to me. Pop was my biggest fan, and a big supporter. To stand there and know he was looking down on me was a great feeling!" Of course the win was big to Elliott Despain and the Despain Motorsports team, if for no other reason, it was long awaited. On the other hand though, the victory served as a confidence booster that would play a part in the win at Lake Cumberland on the following week. To suggest that a driver is going to win every time they pull their car on the track would prove ludicrous. However, Elliott Despain and his team have anticipations of continuing their winning streak. "To continue success, we just have to keep putting ourselves in good positions for the feature wins," explained Despain. "Good upkeep, qualifying well, and starting up front are good ways to continue success." Speaking of upkeep, Elliott Despain is aware of the importance of maintaining his engine, and has been a fan and user of K&N products since 2005. According to the driver, he uses K&N air and oil filters. "They are the best in the business at all levels of racing," he explained. Elliott Despain was quick to give his team and family kudos when asked if they played a roll in his recent success. "Without my mom and dad, I wouldn't be racing, so I have to thank them for what they do," shared the driver. "I have great people who go to the track and help us," he said referring to Dale Gorely and Mike Williams. "I also have to thank the remainder of my family as well. I have a lot of great sponsors, family and friends who make it possible for me to climb in that racecar. Without each and every one of them, there would be no Despain Motorsports. Thanks again." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
