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Laura Hayes to drive for James Racing in Clarksville
By Barry Hastings
Special to The Sun
There is something new this year at the James Racing shop in Clarksville. After years of winning track championships with a number of top drivers, Steve James will build cars for a promising young female driver.
Laura Hayes from Wilton, Calif. will be driving a Late Model for James Racing at the South Boston Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
The 19 year old Hayes was announced as one of twelve drivers in the Drive for Diversity lineup for the 2009 season.
After a highly successful first season running late models at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., Laura was invited to participate in the 2008 Testing and Evaluation Combine at South Boston Speedway. In her rookie year behind the wheel of a stock car, Hayes finished 6th in the points standings with 12 top five finishes, 18 top ten finishes, and a win in 21 starts, and was awarded Rookie of the Year honors.
At the Combine, Laura's results and performance, both on and off the track, impressed several teams. She was offered rides from three of the teams participating in the program. Two of the offers came from California and one from Virginia, near the heart of stock car country.
Hayes made her big move in mid-February to begin testing and her first race will be on March 14th at the South Boston Speedway.
This was definitely one of the most difficult decisions that my family and I have had to make, said Hayes. All three of the teams and tracks had many appealing benefits but to best further my career, Steve James Racing and South Boston Speedway, was my choice.
Hayes commented about her up and coming season, I'm very excited to be working with Steve and his team this year.
His outstanding past accomplishments, knowledge, attitude and an awesome race car all provide unparalleled appeal. I think we'll work great together. And racing at South Boston Speedway is going to be the ultimate test of my talent. I'm really eager for the season to begin.
Those feelings were certainly mutual with James. Laura has good mechanics in handling the car on the track, added James. She is real smooth with the car and holds her line.
Laura was impressive in her first practice and we are anxious to get back to the track for more practice. She knows what a car needs and gives good feedback to us so we can do our job to make the car handle better.
Peoplefinders.com will be the primary sponsor on Hayes' new ride for the 2009 season.
Peoplefinders.com, under the helm of Rob Miller, will also be a big part of Laura's overall program in the Drive for Diversity lineup.
Peoplefinders.com is the web's largest people search site, allowing people to find old friends and classmates as well as perform background checks and much more.
Hayes said, Rob has helped us for the past two seasons and I'm fortunate to have him on board again this year. His support and generosity has kept me racing and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without his help.
Also look for Bowen's Mini Mart and Clarksville Auto Supply to appear on the car. Both are longtime sponsors of James Racing.
According to James, the chassis for the Hayes car was built by A&E of Cluster Springs. The new Hayes car will be powered by engines prepared by Clark Automotive of Reidsville, N.C. This is the operation of Ravon Clark, a former late model driver who has become a successful engine builder.
If anyone knows what goes into a successful racecar, it has to be Steve James. The 53-year old car builder has been preparing stock cars since 1986. He has eight Late Model Stock Car championships at local tracks to his credit.
James has been able to attract good drivers over the years to pilot his speedy machines. Racing legends Wayne Paterson and David Blankenship each won two titles in James-prepared cars. Nick Woodward and Frank Deiny Jr. claimed a championship for James Racing.
Hayes certainly knew what James could offer a driver seeking a top quality ride. Perhaps James sees the same potential in Hayes.
Hayes added, I would like to thank Max Siegel and the 909 Group, NASCAR and Drive for Diversity for giving me this chance in 2009. With the economy taking its toll on the racing community, I feel very fortunate to again be behind the wheel this upcoming season.
I am fully committed to make the very best of this opportunity. Thanks to the many that have supported me to this critical point in my career. I hope I make them proud.
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