Orlando Motor Speedway Crash
6/11/2010
Justin Larson and the # 88 Reno Power Inc./Eternal Hot Water Heaters/Thunder Bay Motors crew were left with a bittersweet taste in their mouths after the Orange Blossom 100 at Orlando Motor Speedway. The #88 Chevrolet super late model took to the track, after a few rounds of practice, and qualified in the 3rd fastest spot. After the pulled inversion on the field, Larson took the green flag in the 5th position, and quickly made his way through the field of distinguished Florida drivers.
On lap 92, Larson had just made his way to the 2nd position behind leader David Rodgers, when another car caused a spin out behind the leaders. The yellow flag came down and the Reno Power/Eternal Hot Water Heaters/Thunder Bay Motors Chevy was put on the outside of the leader for the restart. When the green flag was finally thrown, Larson got a bit overanxious and spun the tires, which caused the #88 machine to get loose and hit the wall, which caused several cars to bunch up behind him. Unfortunately, Larson's car was unrepairable at the track, and the car had to pull off the track, resulting in a blow to the hard working crew and driver. “I really thought I had a winning car,” Larson explains after the race, ”But I got a little nervous, and as many drivers will agree to having done, made a disastrous mistake that cost me a winning or top 3 finish.” Although not a finish he had hoped for, Larson still sees the checkered flag in his future, and will not give up his quest for it. He was back on the track the very next night in Desoto Super Speedway for the next leg of the Hoosier Elite Series.