Quarterley Racing On Track Development Team Reflects on the Season
Mooresville, NC (9/12/2017) – As Benjamin Smith stands on the third place podium after the second race of the weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park the team is reminded of his first ever podium finish in the KTM RC Cup Series exactly one year ago. Since that day he has accumulated four 1st, three 2nd, and four 3rd place finishes this season. The success has not been without hard work and a few crashes. In fact Smith has achieved a podium in every race he finished this season. The Quarterley Racing On Track Development Team has placed riders on 24 podiums in 15 races, sweeping 1st through 4th place at VIR with all four team members.
This weekend was the first time since Utah all four riders were back on the track. The weekend definitely had its ups and downs. Jackson Blackmon’s motor blew up during second qualifying requiring the team to make an approved motor change the night before the race. Blackmon started from pit road at the back of the pack in 17th position, did some head down racing to come in 4th. Jake Leahey finished 5th in his first race back after needing time off from an injury he sustained in Utah. Unfortunately, Benjamin Smith and Draik Beauchamp wrecked in race one.
The team mechanics spent the evening reconstructing Smith’s bike and fixing Beauchamp’s. Smith and Nate Minster spent the evening in the ER checking out their injures. Nate Minster riding under the Quarterley Racing tent wrecked and scrubbed off a chunk of meat on his right thumb and his bike needed to be attended to also. But the night wasn’t without the camaraderie that has become common place among the young riders in the KTM RC Cup Series during a dinner put on by Bob and Melissa Robbins for all the riders and their teams.
On Sunday for race two, Jackson jumped the start and served a pass through penalty; there just were not enough laps to run back through the field and he finished 13th. Beauchamp and Leahey ran in a six rider pack swapping positions for most of the race. Beauchamp wrecked on the second to last lap and Leahey riding hard crossed the finish line with two other riders finishing in 6th position. Rallying back from injury Minster finished 7th and Smith secured the 3rd place podium.
Reflecting on the season Leahey said, “This season has literally been an opportunity of a life time. I would like to thank: Bob Robbins for his generosity in helping kids develop in the sport and Dale Quarterly for providing his skill and insight every session.”
Championship Points are extremely close: Smith is tied in 1st place with Cory Ventura, 1 point behind them is Alex Dumas, with Jackson and Beauchamp rounding out the top five.
Quarterley Racing/On Track Development with successful veteran pro rider Dale Quarterley, is an entry level pro racing program focused on bringing young riders up to speed as they set their sights on a future and the next step towards top level pro racing. The team offers Moto America full support on a team owned “Ready To Race” 390 Cup bike for a Wild Card entry or multiple events.
Contact is bobr@inter-techsupplies.com or phone 610-217-9926.
Team sponsors include: Beta Tools---Inter-Tech Supplies---Motorex---Regina Chains---Scott Powersports---Street & Competition---Woodcraft Technologies
Draik Beauchamp personal sponsors: 129photos, Law offices of Ogle, Elrod, and Baril, Spider Graphix, Tint One, Pit Pass Radio, Sportbike Leather Service, SaferMoto.com, Red Fox Racing, Cycle Gear, Trever White at Harper VW, LS2 Helmets
Jackson Blackmon personal sponsors: Dainese/AGV, TrackDay Winners, Xt Racing, Fast Frank, Fast Bike Industries, Finishline Machine, Drippin Wet
Jake Leahey personal sponsors: Arai Helmets- Sidi Boots- Heroic Leathers- NJminiGP- Stump Racing Kids- United Asphalt- Wholesale Outlet- Hangdry- Solid Performance KTM- Evolve GT Trackdays- RideRich Apparel- Scordo Farms
Benjamin Smith personal sponsors: Arai Helmets- William Deal- Gmoto- Sidi-Impact Armor- Absolute Cycle Experience
Nate Minster personal sponsors: Advantage Corrugated and Packaging - Killebrew Root Beer -Morse Electric - USCCA (U.S concealed and carry association) - Larsons Cycle -Shoei Helmets -Trackside Suspension and Engineering - Midwest Training Center - Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers -Impact Safety Armor
