CONCORD,
North Carolina (December 6, 2006) - -
“He’s
going to be good.” Those words expressed from the voice of respected
NASCAR and ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Andy Belmont as road racing ace
Andy Lally completed a second stock car test this past Sunday (December
3) at Lowes Motor Speedway.
Last
month, Lally, a native of Georgia took his shot behind the wheel of a
3400-pound stock car testing the waters should his career ever take a
turn towards the largest spectator sport in the United States. His
times were strong the first time out, but as the ole’ saying goes
“second is the best.”
During the
course of the eight-hour session, Lally performed brilliantly. His lap
times continued to improve from start to finishing, wowing everyone
around the 29-year old.
"This was
one of the most exciting things I have ever done in my life. I knew I
would love this and Sunday only added to the drive for me to find a way
to race here,” said the jubilant Lally.
Before
taking to the intimidating 1.5-mile Lowes Motor Speedway, Lally attend
Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing, completing with ease the “Classic
Oval Course” setting him up for his second-go-around behind the wheel of
Belmont’s familiar No. 1 Ford.
"I am very
impressed,” stated Belmont, a long-time owner and driver in the ARCA
RE/MAX Series. Andy was out there on 50 lap Michigan (Hoosier) tires
making extremely fast laps. He hit the marks perfect just about every
lap. The feed back was incredible and we were able to make the right
changes to get him comfortable. This kid is the real deal. Someone,
whomever that is, who gets to pick this kid up will no doubt be
successful.”
Longtime
Fast Track Racing (FTR) instructor Sheldon Holman kept a close eye on
the rookie throughout the day. “I believe Mr. Lally is very talented,”
he said. “He was incredibly smooth and he did everything that was asked
of him. He was right on the money. I was impressed.”
For Lally,
his overview of the team was professional.
"Andy
Belmont's team was great in sorting the car out today, we made six or
seven changes in the set up and we just kept getting faster,” he said.
“Andy (Belmont) was great with the tips he would give me to help me get
comfortable and it gave me the confidence to carry the car faster and
faster into turns one and three.”
“The times
we ran today exceeded what I thought we would do and the best thing is
that there is much more left for sure.” We approached the test
conservatively and set a goal of just getting through the day without
putting a scratch on the car but we did much more than that,” explained
Lally, the only three-time Rolex Grand Am Champion.
When asked
about a possible tenure in the ARCA RE/MAX Series or stock cars, Lally
was optimistic.
“Anything
is possible but there is nothing on the horizon at the moment. I
certainly would love an opportunity to do some stock car races in 2007,
either on road courses or ovals or preferably both we’ll see,” Lally
noted.
Andy Lally
soared into his new venue with a successful and impressive resume to his
credit. In addition to his Rolex Grand Am Championships, Lally has
experience In the 24 Hours of Le Mans, SPEED World Challenge Series,
Barber Dodge Pro Series and USF2000 Series. Lally ends his 2006 season
on the heels of winning six Grand Am events this year."