News and Media Releases

Ryan Gifford Has Strong Showing

11/02/2009

Shell Driver Has Success in Dirt Modified Car during Week-Long Racing Action in Florida

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BARBERVILLE, FL - Ryan Gifford and his No. 29 Shell Team Dillon Racing team headed to Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida for the running of the DIRTcar Winternationals, an action-packed week-long event.

The first night of the DIRTcar Winternationals had a record-breaking 88 cars qualifying for the feature. Gifford, who had only been in a modified open-wheel for the first time the week prior, knew that he had his work cut out for him.

The Shell driver was sixth fastest in his qualifying group, which put him in the sixth starting position for his heat race.

Needing to finish in the top three to advance to the feature, Gifford fell just short finishing fourth. That finish put Gifford on the outside pole of the consolation race where only the winner would advance to the feature.

Gifford took the lead from the drop of the green flag, won the race and advanced to the feature. Starting from the 25th position, the 19-year-old raced his way through the field to finish in the fifth position for the night.

The second night of racing action saw a high number of competitors again with 86 cars qualifying. Gifford qualified third in his group and won his heat race, which advanced him to the feature event. After all the heat race winners drew for their starting position in the feature, Gifford rolled off for the start of the 20-lap main event in the third spot. Gifford wasted no time jumping into the second spot where he remained for the entire event before finishing in the runner-up spot. 

On Thursday night, Gifford experienced a disappointing showing after fighting an ill-handling car in qualifying. Unable to transfer from his heat race, Gifford had one last chance to get into the feature through the consolation race. Unfortunately, the Shell driver did not finish high enough to transfer to the main event, which ended his night early. "I’m disappointed I didn't make the feature, but with the tough competition that’s here and this only being my fourth time in one of these cars, I really shouldn't complain. Tomorrow night is a new night, so we'll go get 'em tomorrow."

Friday night would be the first of 3 nights that would lead up to the Gator 50 Challenge. With 91 entries, the racing action was divided into two nights of competition. Gifford raced on Friday night and came out of the box strong by qualifying second in his group. Starting his heat race from the third position, the Shell driver also finished third, giving him the 10th starting spot in the feature. The young driver finished seventh in the main event, earning his third top-ten finish in just four events. 

Saturday was a well-deserved night off after racing for four straight nights. Once Sunday rolled around, it was back to racing. After finishing in the seventh spot on Friday night, Gifford wasn’t locked in the feature yet and would have to compete in the consolation race. The Shell driver finished third, earning him the 11th starting position in the Gator 50 Challenge. With a fifth-place run, Gifford earned his third top-five finish in five events.

Racing action on Monday moved back to the normal format with Gifford qualifying fourth quickest in his group. Starting from the pole in his heat race, Gifford had no problem holding onto the top spot to earn the win, putting him in the sixth starting position for the feature. Finishing fourth in the main event, Gifford was able to add another top-five finish to his impressive stats for the week.

The final night of action will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 closing out a full week of exciting racing action.