For the first time ever the USAC .25 Midgets made a visit to The World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway. The event which was open for registration in early December sold out in under an hour. Officially 343 race cars made the trip to Daytona to start off the 2018 season.
The weekend was made up of one 2 minute practice session (on a very tricky tri oval), 1 heat race and then features in the rookie divisions. Colt went out for practice running some seriously strong laps, the car was good. With only a few seconds to go Colt was beside a slower car that came down on him sending them both into the wall and Colt and team to the pit area with a bent axle.
Work was fast and furious but consistent with great preparation by Rob Johnson and Pete Cachia. Once everything was put back together it was time to run a heat race. Through a random pill draw Colt was put on the pole. The race could had trouble getting lined up and caused some anxious moments. Colt started the race well but was penalized 2 spots for going too low into turn 1. He battled back only to get the penalty again.
Friday was an off day for Colt with no on track activity, but he spent almost all day watching races and when there was a break in the action on track Colt and Dad walked several laps looking at the line that caused the violations and also noticing that the racing line had changed through the weekend. Little did we know Colt took all that information in and made the adjustments.
Saturday was feature race day rolling off in the 4th race of the morning Colt Johnson would line up 5th. Colt got a great start and was up to 3rd by the end of lap 1. He then set his sights on the leader. By half way Colt was in control of the race. He made very smooth and smart passes, lapped several cars and pulled away from the field.
"You just won at Daytona baby!" yelled Pete Cachia as Colt exited the car after crossing the scales. "I knew I could do it, I can't believe I just won at Daytona!" yelled a very happy and excited 6 year old Colt Johnson. This is the second USAC .25 National Event that Colt has participated in, last summer he finished 3rd at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The champ chose a visit to Steak and Shake to celebrate the victory and spent the afternoon on the Worlds Most Famous Beach having fun with his sister Piper Johnson.
USAC and Daytona International Speedway did a great job bringing all the talented young racers together on a big stage and Colt Johnson Racing is looking forward to making the trip again!
More exciting news on the upcoming 2018 season and Colt Johnson Apparel is available at www.coltenjohnson.com