Quarterley Racing On Track Development Team Wins Championship with Benjamin Smith
Barber Motorsports Park (Leeds, AL) - What has become the most competitive series of the weekend took the last lap of the last race to decide the KTM RC Cup Series Championship. Benjamin Smith's last lap pass from fourth to first not only won the race but secured his championship title riding for Quarterley Racing on Track Development team.
Benjamin Smith, Jackson Blackmon, and Draik Beauchamp fill the top five spots in the KTM RC Cup championship. Arguably the best races of the weekend the KTM RC Cup riders put on quite a show on both Saturday and Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park. Smith started second for both races after the second qualifying was cancelled due to track conditions. Blackmon, starting from the rear of the field for Saturday's race due to a mechanical issue, raced to the lead pack of seven riders alongside Beauchamp setting some of the fastest lap times and track speeds of the day. Smith swapped positions several times with Corey Ventura and Sean Ungvarsky to finish third followed by Beauchamp in fourth. Unfortunately, Blackmon crashed and broke a bone in his hand and would sit on the sidelines cheering on his team for Sundays race.
What was a tie for first in championship points between Smith and Ventura was now a nine point lead for Ventura after his first place finish. Smith states, "Nothing to do now but win." Back in the paddock Smith sits down with Dale Quarterley and watches a replay of the race and discusses strategies for Sunday's race. Beauchamp is walking around the paddock with a giant smile on his face stating, "This is fun! I do my best when I can just enjoy myself out on the track." The racing was spectacular. Blackmon spent the evening sharing stories from the day, disappointed in his race day, but says, "I have learned so much this season."
Between races the riders share stories about the season. Memories of sweeping the podium at VIR as they all took 1st,2nd, and 3rd, and teammate Jake Leahey rounded out the top 4. Smith picks the runaway win at Sonoma as one of his favorites. Beauchamp says his focus is to enjoy himself, learn something new, and strive for another podium finish before the season ends. Blackmon says even with the unfortunate series of events over the last several weekends, "there is always a lesson to take away."
Sunday's race was heart stopping from beginning to end. Riders jockeyed for positron every lap of the race. Smith makes the last lap pass for the win. Beauchamp comes in fifth. Blackmon standing on the sidelines says, "I wasnt even racing and my heart was pounding. That was an exciting race."
Look for more news in the coming months from the team and their travels to Jerez, Spain for the RC Cup World Finals. The top five in championship points were invited to Spain.
Championship standing for the Quarterley Racing On Track Development Team:
Benjamin Smith (1st)
Jackson Blackmon (4th)
Draik Beauchamp (5th)
Nate Minster (10th)
Jake Leahey
Dale Quarterley and Bob Robbins along with Ron Barrick, Mark Reynolds, and Paul Arciszewski celebrated the teams success in winners circle. 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 MotoAmerica 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
