The ASA STARS Ebb Logistics Carolina 250 practice day at Tri-County Speedway in Granite Falls, North Carolina, proved to be a competitive session, with Keelan Harvick posting the fastest times across both 60-minute sessions. Harvick secured the top spot, while Derek Thorn and Casey Roderick rounded out the top three, showcasing the speed of the field.
Harvick enters the week having already achieved significant milestones, including winning the last stop on the ASA STARS Tour, the Michigan 300, making him the youngest winner in ASA history. Despite leading the session, Harvick emphasized the importance of tight driving and maximizing track grip, noting that maintaining a tight line was key to his performance.
Points leader Carson Brown, who finished third in both rounds, shared insights into the track surface, suggesting that the grip level was less than expected. He noted that the track has been taking a lot of rubber, which affects how the surface behaves, though he felt the race trim car was solid. This contrasts with the experience of NASCAR star Christopher Bell, who found the practice session much more enjoyable than a cold start, highlighting the difference between practicing in cold conditions versus having a full session.
The session also provided valuable technical comparisons between different classes. Drivers discussed the distinct characteristics of Super Late Model versus Pro Late Model cars, particularly concerning throttle control and tire heat. For instance, drivers noted that Super cars maintain different tire dynamics compared to Pro models, suggesting that the track conditions might favor certain setups for the upcoming race.
Source: Short Track Scene