By: Gene Ostrowski
Slatington, PA- Coming in to the show with high hopes and expectations, the Pocono 200 ARCA/REMAX Series weekend at Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond, PA wasn't exactly spectacular for Kory Rabenold. After starting the event in the 24th starting spot, the native of Slatington, PA had engine problems, which resulted in a 38th place finish.
The team unloaded for practice on Friday and knew that they haven't disposed of their bad luck, as the clutch went out in the car early on. With little practice, the pit crew went to work and made the necessary repairs. Prior to qualifying, the clutch was replaced and Kory circled the 2.5-mile tri-oval and laid down the 24th quickest time of 56.086, at an average speed of 160.468.
Rabenold started the 80-lap event and knew that he would have his hands full early on. "The car was tight for the first half of the race until we made a track bar adjustment", he said. "After the adjustment I felt that the car was really handling well, and we were on the move".
On the move indeed, but the horrible luck resurfaced when the engine expired with forty laps complete. "I had no indication that the motor was going sour because the bolt holding on the pulley at the crank for the oil pump belt simply broke", said Rabenold. In turn, the belt fell off along with the pulley and there was nothing driving the oil pump. "Once that goes, it only takes seconds to destroy a motor", he said with disappointment.
Kory commented on what he felt was a dismal weekend for his team and also understands that it's all part of the game. "I would say the weekend was really not going our way from the start". "We looked good during the race though, but had problems all weekend long".
Once again, luck wasn't on their side.
Rabenold and the team hope to race again in the near future - that is, if they can secure another engine. "We plan on going to Chicagoland, providing we can get a motor". "We hope to be able to turn our luck around with strong qualifying and race efforts also".
The Chicagoland 200 will take place on Saturday, September 6th. The event will be televised by SPEED and broadcast on Sunday, September 7th at 4pm EST.
PR Contacts
Ken "Buzzy" Rabenold
Buzzy's Autobody
610-767-2721 - 610-349-8387 C.
Jared Welter
Rabenold Racing
484-553-2048 C.
spotter63@verizon.net |
