story by Chris Roy
The Giffords Ice Cream Bandolero Series has its final race of the season this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). Last weekend new comer 15 year old, AJ Eastman of Fishers Island, NY got his 1st win at NHMS ¼ mile track. AJ took the lead early in the feature race and lead every lap, holding off the 90 of Casey Call and the 21 of Jacob Perry, to take the checkered flag.
So what is it like for AJ to race in the Bandolero Series at NHMS, “It’s a lot of fun, very exciting, with lots of competitive racers.”
The ¼ mile track at NHMS is a unique style similar to a “D” shape track as the front straight away is flat and, turns 1 through 4 and the back stretch is all banked. “The facility itself is amazing. The track is challenging due to the transition between the banking and the flatness of the front stretch.”
The list of names that have made it to victory lane at NHMS is quite impressive drivers such as Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, and AJ’s favorite driver Mark Martin. And after last weekends win AJ can add his name to the list of winning drivers at NHMS. AJ’s thoughts on winning at NHMS, “Absolutely INCREDIBLE. I love this place.”
So what is the secret to getting around NHMS and going to victory lane, well AJ has decided to keep that secret all to himself.
With the win last weekend can AJ do it again this Saturday in front stands full of race fans. “I believe we can. I’ve got a good car, hopefully things will work out.”
There are some strong competitors, so who will be his toughest challenger for the win this weekend. “I would have to say my teammate Jacob Perry. We finished 1-2 last race. He’s always a fast and fierce competitor. Keep an eye on him, he’ll be in NASCAR someday.”
AJ would like thank all his sponsor for supporting him this race season. Evergreen Landscapes, The News Café, and Emma, Noah, & Molly.