The 2011 Legends Asphalt Nationals event took place October 26th – 29th at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (NV). In the Race of Champions event for the Young Lions drivers, Ben Rhodes drove to a second-place finish. For the Nationals event, he set fast time, breaking the track record, but finished seventh in the feature after contact from another car altered his set-up.
Rhodes entered the weekend with two cars, one for the Nationals event and one for the Race of Champions. Both cars practiced well prior to qualifying.
“We tested on Wednesday and practiced on Thursday,” said Rhodes. “We worked on various set-ups to make sure the cars were both solid during the day and evening at the track.”
During the qualifying session on Saturday, Rhodes broke the track record, setting fast time of the 33 cars that timed in. Later, during the heat race, Rhodes finished first, which put him on the pole for the Nationals event.
“We were thrilled with our fast time and great run in the heat race,” explained Rhodes. “The car was really good, and we held the track record there until a few of the Pro drivers hit the track later in the day for their qualifying. It put us in a great position though for the Nationals on Sunday.”
Saturday night, Rhodes started the Race of Champions in the event, working his way towards the front from his sixth-place starting position. On the final lap, Rhodes attempted to pass for the lead, but came up a half a car short at the line.
“I was pacing myself for a run at the win late in the race,” said Rhodes. “I made my move, but kept the car pinched low so I wouldn’t cause a wreck. It slowed my car down just a tad, so I ended up second.”
On Sunday, Rhodes and the Young Lions drivers hit the track for the Nationals event, shortly after a Late Model division finished with their qualifying. The different rubber compound caused many drivers to slip and slide during the early stages of the race, which also cost Rhodes a few spots on the track. Right when his car was coming back around, contact with another car knocked the toe in, causing his car not to handle well the rest of the race, finishing in the seventh position.
“We wanted to come out of the weekend with two wins, but circumstances changed during the race. We still had a great weekend in Las Vegas, and I am proud of my team. I have to thank them as well as my sponsors and supporters.”
Rhodes will switch back to his Late Model to race in the Myrtle Beach 400 event at Myrtle Beach Speedway (SC) on November 20th.