LIMA — Justin Long got off to a fast start to the 2015 Limaland season.
The 2007 rookie of the year at Limaland Motorsports Park won the first two heat races of the season in the Bud Thunderstocks division and had some top 10 finishes to begin the season.
Long and company were out in full force Friday night in the Meet the Drivers Night.
For complete results of the race, pick up the Sunday edition of The Lima News.
Long, who is currently in 10th place in the Bud Thunderstocks standings, is hoping to finish the season on a high note after stumbling into some adversity the last several races.
“The season started out really well for us by winning the first two heat races of the season and some strong runs with some top ten finishes,” Long said. “On May 8, we broke a motor and had to go to a backup. We’re hoping for better luck to finish the season.”
Just like many other racers at Limaland, Long got his racing itch at a young age.
“My dad was a mechanic and I grew up watching racing,” Long said. “My wife and I actually went out on our first date in 2005 and I told her I’d be buying a race car, and sure enough, I did just a little while later.”
Long has always had an interest in stockcar racing.
“I’ve been a fan of stockcar racing in general,” Long said. “It is a competitive division with a lot of great drivers.”
Limaland has always been known to host some quality racing. But it might be the things behind the scenes which Long enjoys the most.
“Limaland is very competitive and I’m a competitor,” Long said. “All of the people and the events you go to make it special though. The camaraderie is great and you know everybody there.”
Rain and severe storms this summer have taken a toll on everybody in the Lima area, especially the drivers at Limaland.
“The weather is really tough for us,” Long said. “Limaland is our home track and we put all of our focus and attention to that. You get out of rhythm after a few rain outs. It’s tough to get back into the swing of things.”
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