Scott Rookie Challenge contender David Levine crossed the finish line in third on Saturday afternoon in the Crosley Brands 150 at Kentucky Speedway, capturing his first career ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards top five finish.
“This car was an absolute rocket today,” Levine said after the race. “To be where we were in the open test session on Tuesday to where we are now is great! I can’t thank MOMO, Traqgear, Ford Performance, and Lira Motorsports enough for everything this week!”
The finish earned Levine the SCOTT Rookie of the Race honors as well as the CGS Imaging Hard Charger of the Race award for advancing the most positions.
David qualified for the race in the 18th position. He steadily made his way forward once the green flag fell on Saturday, a day later than scheduled due to rain on Friday evening. He had made his way up to 7th place when a brief rain shower brought out the caution on Lap 40.
David brought his number 59 Ford Fusion to the attention of his Lira Motorsports pit crew for tires, fuel and adjustments during the extended caution period. He restarted in 11th place when racing resumed on lap 58 of the 100-lap event.
The 22-year-old Highland Park, Illinois driver proceeded to once again work his way steadily forward, claiming the third position on lap 95. The checkered flag fell with David in third and closing the gap between himself and the top two finishers.
“A few more laps and I think I could have run down the leaders. We had the fastest car on track for the final 20 laps – we just ran out of time. This was a solid day for the entire Lira Motorsports organization. Congratulations to my teammate Ryan Reed on his win, and also to my teammates Chris Windom and Brandon Lynn, who also had solid races.”
David, who has led the SCOTT Rookie Challenge points lead for the majority of the season, will attempt to hold off a charging Kyle Weatherman for the Rookie title in the 2015 ARCA Racing Series season finale, The Kansas ARCA 98.9. The October 16th race is scheduled to start at 7:30, with live coverage on FOX Sports 1.
