Robertson Supports WSSU at Bowman Gray Season Opener
May 5, 2008
Winston-Salem, NC: Ryan Robertson hit the track at Bowman Gray Stadium’s season opener for WSSU Motorsport Management night at the famed quarter mile Saturday night. The #23 Carolina Wood Floors and WSSU Chevrolet raced in the 40 lap Limited Sportsman event.
Bowman Gray Stadium was dressed in red all throughout the race. Students involved with the Motorsport Management degree were decked out in their school colors in the stands while getting kids interested in the new program – the first bachelor’s degree in the country devoted to Motorsport Management. Other students and faculty from the school came out to watch the event.
“We were excited about the number of people who came out for the race,” said Dr. Travis Teague, director of the Motorsport Management program. “We are still working hard to raise awareness of the program throughout the school and the community. This was a good way to get students and potential students excited about the new program.” WSSU is one of Robertson’s main sponsors this year, taking the message and the car to high schools throughout the area.
With sponsor at hand, Robertson was ready to go racing. At Bowman Gray Stadium, starting positions are determined by draw and unfortunately lady luck was not on Robertson’s side, drawing 21st out of 24 drivers for the short race. However, Robertson did not stay at the back long.
With just two laps following the green flag there was a large pile-up in turn one, but Robertson was able to avoid the accident and restarted 14th.
By lap 15, Robertson had worked his way up to eighth. After getting caught outside the line he was pushed back to 11th. Following a strong restart, Robertson was able to jump to seventh where he maintained his position for the remainder of the race.
“As much as we dislike starting in the back,” said team owner Mike Robertson. “It probably worked to our favor. Most of the accidents happened in front of us. We were able to avoid them instead of being caught in the middle.”
Robertson Motorsports is currently sponsored by Carolina Wood Floors, WSSU Motorsport Management, WCWG CW20 and WSJS 600 1200. The next race will be this Saturday, May 10th for the Carolina Wood Floors 100 at Bowman Gray Stadium.