By: Fast Time Media
5/9/23... Mohave Valley, California: Saturday Night, AJ Bender would be back in action at Mohave Valley Raceway with the USAC CRA Sprint Cars. A solid field of 16 Non Winged 410 Sprint Cars would pack the pit area, ready to get things rolling on Saturday Night.
The night would get rolling with qualifying, where AJ would look to lay down a good lap. AJ would indeed do just that, as he would end up going 6th quickest overall, which would be the perfect scenario.
"In qualifying, I didn’t feel great but was able to pull out a 6th, which I was happy with because as long as we transfer out of our heat I start on the pole for the main."
AJ would then roll off from the outside of row two in 4th. He would be lightning quick in the heat race. When the green fell, AJ would charge forward & quickly grab the lead. Around halfway through, he would get passed by Tommy Malcolm & finish the heat race 2nd.
"The heat race i started 4th and got to the lead but halfway through Tom Malcom got by me and I would end up 2nd."
He would start the feature off from the pole. Unfortunately, AJ would struggle getting the car to stick, especially in 3&4. That would cost AJ throughout the feature, where he would slip backwards. He ended up falling to 5th, and staying there bringing home a top-5 finish.
"I started on pole but just lacked traction. The main line in 3 and 4 was in the bottom but I just could t get the car to stick," AJ added. "I started first and quickly dropped to 5th and pretty much just stayed there all race."
It would be a pretty solid night for AJ Bender. He would showcase some solid speed all night, from the beginning to the end of the night. That would result in him bringing home his best USAC CRA Sprint Car finish of the season so far.
AJ would like to thank his sponsors, and Matt Streeter for the opportunity to run his Midget:
Next Race: 5/13, Ventura Raceway
2023 season stats: 14 events, 12 features, 1 win, 3 top-5's, 10 top-10's
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