Traas Rebounds from Turn 1 Heartbreak to Conquer COTA West
Traas Rebounds from Turn 1 Heartbreak to Conquer COTA West
AUSTIN, TX — The trucks took to the winding COTA West layout this week for a 30 lap showdown that delivered drama from the very first corner to the checkered flag. In a race defined by a two truck breakaway and an incredible comeback drive, Jordan Traas and Ian Blanchard cemented themselves as the class of the field.
The intensity started in qualifying. Traas laid down a blistering lap of 1:42.838 to secure the pole position, narrowly edging out a hard charging Blanchard by a thin margin of just 0.123 seconds.
However, the advantage of starting out front evaporated immediately. As the field dove into the heavy braking zone of Turn 1 on the opening lap, disaster struck for the pole sitter. Traas was spun round, facing the wrong way, Showing incredible car control and situational awareness, Traas whipped the truck back around in record time, minimizing the damage and only dropping a handful of positions.
What followed was a masterclass in navigating road course traffic. Traas systematically picked his way back through the field to hunt down Blanchard, who had capitalized on the Turn 1 chaos to take command of the race. The two drivers were in a league of their own, completely shutting out the rest of the grid from the front of the pack. Blanchard put up a fierce fight, leading a highly respectable 13 laps, but Traas’s pace was undeniable. Traas reclaimed the lead and held strong to pace the field for 17 of the 30 laps, officially taking the most laps led on the day.
Further back in the pack, the drive of the day belonged to Riley Bennett. While the leaders battled for the top spot, Bennett put on a clinic in overtaking, slicing through the running order to gain a massive 11 positions by the time the checkered flag flew, easily securing the biggest mover of the race.
Next week, the league leaves the sweeping road course behind and shifts gears entirely, heading to the Action Track. The trucks will take on Richmond Raceway, promising plenty of beating, banging, and classic short track racing.
