From ARCA Media
Here Comes Mason Mitchell
Mitchell aiming for 3rd consecutive ARCA qualifying track record – next attempt Madison Int’l Speedway Saturday
(TOLEDO, Ohio) – Just like butter, Mason Mitchell’s on a roll. Since joining Empire Racing three races back, Mitchell’s stat package continues to impress.
In fact, in his last two outings at Berlin Raceway and the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile dirt, Mitchell has set two consecutive qualifying records. Ironically, Mitchell broke one-lap track records set consecutively by Justin Lofton in 2009 at the same two tracks.
“There’s no reason we can’t set more records, but our goal is to close the deal and win races,” Mitchell said.”
Mitchell and the Empire Racing team will have their next shot this Saturday and Sunday, August 24/25 in the Herr’s Live Life With Flavor 200 at Madison Int’l Speedway.
There can be no doubt that Mitchell carries a good bit of momentum headed to Madison.
Since climbing aboard the No. 82 Happy Cheeks Ford at Pocono, Mitchell has earned two Menards Pole Awards presented by Ansell, one top-five finish and three top-10s. He’s also spent more time up front, leading 63 laps. The recent success has helped the 19-year-old’s confidence on and off the track.
“The recent success has made me a believer in myself and my team. I believe we can get the job done and end up in victory lane very soon.”
Reuniting with crew chief Jamie Jones at Empire Racing has made Mitchell’s transition to the new team a lot easier.
“Jamie and I have such a great bond and understanding for each other. We never stop working on trying to be successful on the track.”
Mitchell first worked with Jones in 2012, while driving for Eddie Sharp Racing. In seven races together the duo has never finished outside the top-10.
Sunday afternoon will mark Mitchell’s first start at the famous half-mile track, but he believes he can contend for the victory.
“I don’t know if there’s a track on the ARCA schedule that is similar to Madison. Tire management will be key and will play a role in who goes to victory lane.”
It’s worth noting that Mitchell never raced on dirt either until last Sunday at Springfield.
“I was actually pretty shocked to get the track record at Springfield. I had never been on dirt, and my crew chief had never been on dirt, so we went in with an open notebook.”