Multi-Car Crash Collects Devin Dodson After Second Place Qualifying Effort In SELLM Debut
EASLEY, S.C. -- Despite being collected in a first lap multi-car accident, former dirt Crate 602 Sportsman standout Devin Dodson made an impressive debut in the Greenville Meltdown at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, the season opening event for the Southeast Limited Late Model Series.
Hailing from Bishopville, Md., almost nine hours from the Historic Half-Mile NASCAR weekly racing series track in South Carolina, the asphalt rookie Dodson embarked on his new adventure by setting the fastest lap time in a pre-race practice session before qualifying his No. 2 Orion Motorsports Chevrolet on the front row for the feature.
In his qualifying attempt, Dodson timed in at 20.101 seconds on his first lap, which was fastest at that time. On his second lap, track officials inadvertently sent the next driver out to qualify right in front of Dodson as he was exiting the second corner, forcing him to slow down and costing him a shot at an even faster lap.
Adding to that impressive mark, it was just the first time that the 17-year-old was forced to compete in single-car qualifying. Previously, while competing on dirt, he set his starting position through draws, inverting, and heat races.
"It was really, really fast (laughter)," Dodson said after the quick lap. "It was breathtaking and a lot faster then what I would do during practice or a race. It was definitely a new experience. Since that was our first time on brand new sticker tires on asphalt, we really didn't know what to expect. But it went really smoothly."
Starting on the front row, Dodson looked intact to contend for his first career win on asphalt, despite having limited experience. However, on the opening lap, Dodson was involved in a six-car accident -- ending his night behind the wall.
"Our tires were still a little cold on the start," he said. "I was a little worried about starting on the outside, but I went into turn one with confidence ... and next thing I knew, I was being spun around. I think someone got into us, but I'm not sure. We will have to look at the video."
After surveying the damage, the diagnosis was a hole in the radiator, forcing Dodson to a disappointing 'did not finish' (DNF) in his debut.
Officially, the hotshoe was handed a 12th place finish.
"It's disappointing. But we learned a lot and will come back here in March with more confidence."
The rookie will return to Greenville-Pickens on Saturday, March 18 for the second Southeast Limited Late Model Series event of the season, where he will look to improve upon his performance and contend for the $3,000 victory.
During that race weekend, the developing racer can be found handing out hero cards and stickers to race fans in the grandstands, as he does each racing weekend.
"I enjoy meeting the fans, signing autographs and taking photos of them," the driver said with a smile. "I am a fan who happens to also be a driver, and I know how cool it is to have a driver interact with you, especially for the kids. I always look forward to that part of the weekend."
For information on how your company can partner with Devin for the 2017 racing season, or for media availability, email Tom Baker at Team Full Throttle at [email protected].
Follow Devin on Facebook by searching Devin Dodson Racing, and visit his website at www.devindodsonracing.com.
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About Devin Dodson
Devin Dodson from Bishopville, Md. is a developing racer competing in the Southeast Limited Late Model Series in the No. 2 Orion Motorsports machine under the direction of crew chief Ed Cox.
Dodson, 17, began his racing adventure in 2005 while competing in go-karts across the southeast and mid-Atlantic region, scoring wins and championships in multiple states. After recording those marks, the hotshoe transitioned to dirt Crate 602 Sportsman, where he soon found more success.
During just his rookie season in 2015, Dodson posted multiple top five finishes and a win in the Delaware Dirt Track Championship event, the most prestigious local race held at Delaware International Speedway.
Dodson transitioned to running his crate modified again last season at Delaware, along with making starts at Georgetown Speedway, Bridgeport Speedway and New Egypt Speedway -- where he found even more success.
The personable young racer enjoys interacting with his fans, and he is looking to advance his career in racing, hoping to make a path to the highest levels in the sport through hard work, determination and his desire to learn.
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Click to visit Devin's Facebook Page
Devin Dodson
Devin on-track
Devin talking things over with his father, Duane.
Tom Baker Photos
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Devin's 2017 Schedule
2/18 - Greenville Pickens Speedway (SC)
3/18 - Greenville Pickens Speedway (SC)
4/8-9 Dillon Motor Speedway (SC)
4/29 - Florence Motor Speedway (SC)
6/10 - Newport Speedway (TN)
7/2 - Franklin County Speedway (Va.)
7/22 - Myrtle Beach Speedway (SC)
8/26 - Dillon Motor
Speedway (SC)
9/9 - Greenville Pickens Speedway (SC)
10/28 - Hickory Motor Speedway (NC)
11/8-9 Myrtle Beach Speedway (SC)
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