ARCA drivers test Superspeedway

GLADEVILLE — Nashville Superspeedway played host to a group of ARCA Series drivers Wednesday as preparations for the April 7 race were underway at open testing.
Around a dozen competitors journeyed to the facility to get in some laps and test various setups before race day.
For some drivers, the 1.33 mile concrete track is a familiar sight, while others are making their first trip to the venue.
One driver who is making his first start is Michael McDowell, a rookie from Phoenix, Ariz.
"I've never been here before," he said. "But everything's going well so far."
McDowell ran about 30 laps on the track before his engine blew up, but that didn't discourage him. His team is in town for three days, so he has plenty of time to get more laps on the track.
Driver Gabi DiCarlo, another rookie, ran into problems before she was able to run a single lap.
"I'm ready to get out on the track, our transport blew up on the way in, so we haven't had any track time," DiCarlo noted.
The reaction from most of the testers was positive.
"This track stays pretty consistent," Erin Crocker said. This race will be her fifth at the Superspeedway as an ARCA competitor. She has run a Busch race and a Craftsman Truck Series race here as well.
"It's a good track to come to," said driver Jeremy Clements. "It's very consistent so you pretty much know what to expect."
All of the drivers are ready for the third race of the season. Most of the competitors reported the cars were running well. Clements and teammate Marc Mitchel said they were pleased with their test runs.
"We are pretty close to where we want to be for the race," Mitchel said. "We just made some minor adjustments."
The ARCA race kicks off at noon April 7, followed by the Pepsi 300 Busch Series race at 2:30 p.m.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 44 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.