photo by RPM 360
EAST MONTPELIER, Vt. – Flashback one year to the former Riverside Speedway in Groveton, Packard starts last in the final heat and drives her way to the front capturing her first American Canadian Tour pole. A few hours later, the 18 year old East Montpelier Vermont driver has led the most laps and has a 5th place finish.
This year, Emily and her Northstar Fireworks/Packard Fuels 9me team is headed back to (newly re-named) Speedway 51 with the hopes to continue to pick up where she left off there in 2014, but with better finishing results. “I am really looking forward to heading to Speedway 51 this weekend,” said Packard. “Last year we had such a good run there, and unfortunately towards the end we just pushed the car too much and ended up with a fifth place finish, but we were able to lead some laps and run really well there. The track is moderately banked and is a place that I feel instantly comfortable at.”
The 2015 season has been a successful one to date as Packard sits in the 6th position for the American Canadian Tour point’s standings. “The season so far has been up and down, but overall, I am pleased with our performance,” Packard said. “We have had some really good runs with 2 top-6 finishes and not finishing out of the top 15 in all 4 races. I continuing to learn a lot each race and that helps to build my confidence and the confidence of the team.”
“Speedway 51 is a track with a lot of character, and I really enjoy running there,” said Packard. “I am looking forward to all the changes and improvements that the Laquerre’s have made to the facility and the track. We are hoping for a good run this weekend, starting in a good position in the feature and backing it up with another solid finish.”
Emily and the team head to Speedway 51 on Saturday May 30th, with practice starting at noon time and post time for the heat races is 5:30. Follow all the action on social media if you can’t make it out to the track.