Three races in, Devon Ostheimer can almost taste his first victory on the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. He was lifted up by his High Point Racing crew members April 16 at Irwindale’s Toyota Speedway after the Morgan Hill native placed second in the Auto Club Late Models Main Event — less than two seconds behind winner Brandon Davis of Henderson, Nev.
Three races in, Devon Ostheimer can almost taste his first victory on the Whelen All-American Series.
He was lifted up by his High Point Racing crew members April 16 at Irwindale’s Toyota Speedway after the Morgan Hill native placed second in the Auto Club Late Models race — less than two seconds behind winner Brandon Davis of Henderson, Nev.
It was Ostheimer’s first podium finish, and it left the 17-year-old aiming for bigger prizes than a Rookie of the Year award this week as he prepared for the next go-around set for Saturday in Irwindale.
“I’m going for that championship, definitely,” said Ostheimer, now third in the points standings behind Toni McCray of San Bernardino and the front-runner, Davis. “I have a lot more confidence now that I know what I’m doing here.”
Even in a NASCAR developmental circuit, success continues to come early for Ostheimer, who enjoyed similarly fast starts in all levels of Sprint Car racing.
“It kind of feels normal for me at every division,” he said. “It’s just racing.”
Ostheimer was overjoyed with his first two races April 2, though, the night did leave something to be desired. Ostheimer placed fourth and sixth after starting in 20th and 17th, respectively, a product of solid racing and poor qualifying.
Last week, he had more room to breath after an improved qualifying round left him on the outside of Row 1.
“That changed my approach and made it a lot easier,” he said. “I (didn’t) have to go through as many wrecks.”
Ostheimer at times fell prey to his more seasoned opponents. He dropped to fifth place following a restart midway through but overtook the No. 2 spot for good by nimbly avoiding a wreck.
“I felt really good out there, like everything’s moving in the right direction,” he said. “I still need to improve a few things, like my restart gears and working the bottom of the track better. But qualifying was there. And if I can keep improving, that first win will come pretty soon.
“Sometimes you have to feel second before you can take first.”
