Alexander Battles Through Adversity in the Irish Hills
Jayson Alexander (#10) driving down the front stretch during the Henry Ford Health 200.
August 21, 2024 (CHARLOTTE, North Carolina) - A morning full of rain showers welcomed the ARCA Menards Series before their competition on Friday, August 16 at Michigan International Speedway. Two dozen drivers set out to compete on the high-speed oval located in the small-town of Brooklyn. With rain, a blown oil line, starting in the back, and 2nd degree burns, it was nothing short of an eventful day for Alexander and the team.
Due to the inclement weather, afternoon qualifying was cancelled, and practice was put on hold. Soon the skies began to part around 2pm and the track drying progress quickly took place allowing the teams to hit the track. Once the teams finally got the green light, the lone practice session for the Henry Ford Health 200 was underway.
An excited Jayson Alexander and team hit the track to learn the super speedway. However, problems quickly arose as smoke filled the cockpit and spewed out the back end of the pink and white race car. The Fast Track Racing crew sprang into action right away to diagnose the issue. A problem with the vehicle’s oil line is what impeded the group from gaining valuable information during practice, as the session quickly came to an end.
Shortly after practice, Jayson took time to go out onto the main concourse and talk to a group at the NASCAR Fan Experience. Alongside fellow ARCA teammate Ryan Roulette, Alexander had the opportunity to share his insight into being behind the wheel and other personal life matters.
With a short break before the race, Alexander talked to fellow competitors to understand the track. In a blink of an eye, it was time to get the Henry Ford Health 200 underway at Michigan International Speedway. Starting in the 19th position, the team used the first segment of the race to feel for the track. A little past 30 laps into the race, the caution flag waved for the first competition caution. The #10 Fast Track Racing team sat in the 17th spot and began making its way through the field once the green flag resumed the race. After another competition caution and round of pit cycles around lap 65, the team would secure a 13th place finish.
An excited Alexander hopped out of the car post-race, but noted he wasn't feeling 100%. He would later be taken to the Infield Car Center where he learned about a 2nd degree burn that occurred on his scalp. “Even with everything that occurred, we had a phenomenal finish. We battled tons of adversity all day long at Michigan,” he stated. “We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our partners and the Fast Track family.” One dull moment couldn't keep a smile off his face, as it was a positive experience for the 21-year-old.