After the New Smyrna ASA race, AK Motorsports decided that they were going to take a break and get ready for next year. They were going to send the engine back to McGunegill Engines in Muncie Indiana , and also they were going to completely re-setup the chassis. Because of this decision, Austin would be out of a ride for 1-2 months. So, Austin and his dad went ride hunting; looking for a car to race during this time period. It just so happened that crew member Jim Leconte was dirt-track racer, and called around to explore some options. He found out that Stalnaker Racing Team had an extra street-stock that they weren't using, and they would let Austin race it. Since Austin had never driven on dirt before, he thought that it would be a good learning experience.

     Contrary to asphalt late model racing, you only get about 5 laps of practice, a 6 lap heat race (how you finish in the heat race determines where you start in the feature race, where as in late models, you have qualifying) and a 20 lap race. In the 1st and only practice, the track was very muddy, and Austin comfortable sliding the car through the corners. Austin started last in his heat race because he drew a high number (your starting position in the heat race is determined by what number you draw out of a hat). He passed 2 cars in the 6 laps, which would put him in the 15th starting position for the race. Figuring that he needed more experience passing cars, Austin pulled it to the rear, and started 17th in the feature race. From the start, Austin showed that he “had what it took” to be a dirt racer, as he methodically moved his way through the pack. As he crossed the finish-line, Austin found himself in 7th position. After the race Austin said “It was a BLAST. I was out there passing cars on the inside, on the outside, and in the middle. Had I had more laps, there is no doubt in my mind that I could have got a top-5, maybe even a top-3 finish. I would really like to Mr. Stalnaker for letting me drive his racecar. It handled really well.” There is one thing for sure, Austin will definitely be looking forward to next Friday night.

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