Morgan Hill native pleased with first two races in NASCAR developmental series
Positive signs were at every turn Saturday for Devon Ostheimer during his NASCAR Whelen All-American Series debut at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale.
The Morgan Hill native finished both of his 40-lap main event races in the Auto Club Late Models group — surviving his first 360-degree spin in the opener — adjusted well to working with a spotter and took home two Hard Charger awards, an honor he does not necessarily want to win again.
Ostheimer, 17, began both races near the back following his worst run yet in qualifying. He overcame that to place fourth in the first race in 30 minutes, 12.385 seconds and sixth (30:35.89) in the second.
“Success in racing is all about consistency,” Ostheimer, a Sobrato High junior, said Tuesday. “So it was definitely a good thing, almost taking top five in the first two races of the season. I’m all about that.”
Brandon Davis took first in both races on the half-mile oval, finishing in 30:9.21 and 30:33.133.
Ostheimer crossed the finish line about five car lengths behind in the opener. He had moved his Richard Petty-like blue No. 57 car from a 20th place start to 12th by the midway lap and was trying to pass the ninth place car when he was bumped from behind, starting a three-car entanglement that Ostheimer managed to spin through.
“He definitely knows the ins and outs of a race car and how to manage himself on the track,” said Keith Swanson, Ostheimer’s crew chief with High Point Racing. “He’s very smart and savvy.”
The near wreck was among many instances in which Ostheimer’s “heart stopped” Friday.
“I was pretty nervous the whole night,” he said. “Starting in the back, I knew there was going to be a bunch of wrecks. I just had to depend on my spotter (Swanson). It’s weird having someone talk to you when you’re out there. You have to depend on them 100 percent.”
Ostheimer restarted in sixth place and maintained his momentum on the way to overtaking the No. 4 spot for good.
Despite racing with the same tires in the second main, Ostheimer was able to replicate his success even with a more patient approach. Starting in 17th, Ostheimer picked off cars one by one to climb into sixth. He challenged the top five drivers, mostly veterans, through the final three laps but eventually backed off, as advised by Swanson.
“He’s a very ambitious kid, and he loves to race,” Swanson said. “The competition is so tight at Irwindale. You just have to get in a groove and stay there. You’ll be fine.”
Ostheimer was at his prodigal best with cars in front of him. His biggest concern leading up to his next race April 16 is racing on an empty track.
“It’s great to get that first race under my belt, but I definitely need to get those (qualifying) times up,” Ostheimer said. “If you want to win, you just have to keep practicing.”
