Top Twenty Finish for Robertson at Martinsville
September 29, 2008
Martinsville, VA: The first two days at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA proved to be a washout, but that did not stop Ryan Robertson and the #31 Savage Energy Chevrolet from making a splash when the racing began. 
The Bailey’s 300 is the premier Late Model Stock Car race of the year in the country. With almost 120 cars coming out to make the 43 car field it is an accomplishment within itself to be on the track when the green flag waves.
After a limited practice schedule due to rain on Saturday, Robertson was 39th to qualify for Sunday afternoon’s race. He was fast but not quite fast enough to make it into the show on qualifying alone. Only .05 of a second separated him and the 22nd fast qualifier, the last driver to make it in the race based on time.
Robertson took to the track in the second of four heat races of the afternoon. He started the 25 lap race fifth in the 20 car field. He was able to play it smart and keep his cool while others around him were wrecking each other. He finished 5th in the race, which meant he was able to compete in the main event.
“Our day seemed to just keep getting better and better,” said Robertson. “We had never been able to make the race here, so to have such a great qualifying run like we did then to hold on to our spot in the heat race was incredible.”
Robertson started the 200 lap race 36th. It did not take long for him to start working his way through the field of cars. By lap 28 Robertson has already made his way up to 30th. By lap 50 Robertson had worked his way up to 25th while barely avoiding major damages due to a multi car accident that took place in front of him.
Ten laps later Robertson’s car started slowing down, moving backwards through the pack.
“The alternator went on the car,” said crew member Derrick Barnes. “We were trying to keep it on the track until the mandatory caution at lap 100, but we were unable to.”
At lap 76 Robertson was forced to bring the car in. The team worked quickly to change the battery. He was able to get back on the track, but with no cautions to work with, Robertson was ten laps down.
Robertson kept his head in the game as more cars continued to pile-up in the field. He was able to keep his car out of all the remaining crashes and take home a 20th place finish.
“I could not be any more proud of Ryan,” said team owner Mike Robertson. “He really showed to everyone that he was supposed to be out there running. If it was not for the electric problems he would have been able to stay on the lead lap and finish even higher. The crew did a great job getting the car ready for this weekend and fixing all the problems that we encountered today.”
Robertson will be racing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, in Greenville, SC this Saturday for the third to last UARA-Stars race of the season. Robertson Motorsports is currently sponsored by Savage Energy, Carolina Wood Floors, WSSU Motorsport Management, WCWG CW20 and WSJS 600/1200AM.