Uncasville, Conn. (July 27, 2009): Defending 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Champion Matt Kobyluck wants to end a seven-race winless streak when the series embarks on Adirondack International Speedway Saturday, August 1stfor the running of the Edge Hotel 150. His record at the 9/10th’s mile oval makes him a favorite for achieving that goal and closing the gap on the point lead.
Kobyluck has a stellar record at Adirondack. In the past seven races there, he’s posted three wins, five top-five, and five top-10 finishes. His victory last season was redemption of sorts for an 11th place finish in 2007 that was the result of being black flagged for supposedly jumping the start while leading the race. Heading into a track where they’ve had so much success is a momentum builder for the entire team.
“We have a good set up for that track and Matt’s driving style just works there,” said crew chief Perry Waite. “We’ve changed our setups to keep up with the ways things are changing, but we still run good there. It’s just the type of track that everything falls into place for us. We’re as confident going there this year as we’ve been any other year.”
Entering the Edge Hotel 150, Kobyluck, driver of the No. 40 Mohegan Sun Casino Chevrolet, sits fourth in the point standings, and just 50 points behind current leader Ryan Truex. With only four races remaining in the season, every race counts and every race demands a solid performance.
“We’re still in this game,” said Kobyluck. “It’s one of the tightest point battles we’ve ever had. It kind of reminds me of our 2002 season when we lost the championship to Andy Santerre by only nine points. This year is going to be a lot like that. It’s going to be close – very close – and we have to step up our game with a win.”
Of the top four drivers in the point standings, it is Kobyluck who has the most seat time at Adirondack. Truex has never been there, and Jody Lavender, currently second in the points, has one start at the upstate New York facility. Eddie MacDonald has only missed one race in the seven year history of the event, but has only two top-five finishes to his credit.
“All these drivers are very competitive,” said Kobyluck. “And I’m not counting any of them out. Eddie MacDonald has a lot of time on Adirondack and has really stepped up his performances there since joining Grimm Racing. Jody had a top-five finish in his first start there and Ryan is just good anywhere he goes. It’s a competitive division and it’s going to be a competitive race.”
The Edge Hotel 150 takes the green flag at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday night. For more information on Matt Kobyluck, Mohegan Sun Casino, or the race team, visitwww.mattkobyluck.com.