Cody Hodgson: NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Bowman Gray Stadium Race Report
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Cody Hodgson of Escalon, Calif., posted his best-career finish in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with a strong 8th-place run in the Army Strong 150 at Bowman Gray Stadium on Saturday, June 4. Hodgson’s career night came in the series’ inaugural visit to the track affectionately known as “The Madhouse.” After starting 22nd in the 27-car field, the Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate slowly worked his way to the front by avoiding one of the many spins that dotted the evening. For his efforts, Hodgson leapt three spots in the K&N Pro Series East standings to ninth through five races.
WHO: Cody Hodgson, Escalon, Calif.
TEAM: Dave Davis Motorsports No. 03 Ocala Gran Prix Dodge
WHAT: NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Army Strong 150
WHERE: Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C. (.25-mile oval)
STARTED: 22nd
FINISHED: 8th
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
LAST RACE: May 21, Pork ‘Be Inspired’ 175, Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa (12th-place)
NEXT RACE: June 11, Slack Auto Parts 150, Gresham Motorsports Park, Jefferson, Ga. (.500-mile oval)
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CODY, YOU HAD A REALLY GOOD NIGHT AT THE STADIUM.
It was a wild one, that’s for sure. Coming from 22nd (starting spot), I wasn’t sure how the night was going to be. But I just stayed to the inside, and I kept on the wheel and we were able to make up some ground.
Yesterday in practice and qualifying, I just couldn’t find the balance of the car very well. So we struggled with (single) lap speed. Once the race got going you could keep up with the guys in front of you and stay on the inside, no matter what, and you were going to be able to go by the guys on the outside. It’s definitely a one-groove track.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET YOUR BEST CAREER FINISH?
It feels great, definitely – especially at a track like this with so much history. And to start 22nd, that just makes it even more overwhelming. It’s not a win, but we’re getting closer and closer. I think next week at Gresham, I think we’re going to have a really good car.
ARE YOU GUYS GETTING BETTER AS A TEAM?
We are. We went through some carnage in the race tonight – it wasn’t picture-perfect the whole way through getting back up to the Top-10. But everybody stayed calm on the radios, and we worked together as a team.
I’ve got to thank the guys. They’ve been working their butts off for the last couple of weeks. We struggled to get the car working good, but we never gave up as a team, and that’s why we were able to get a Top-10.