Former V8 Ute driver, George “Slick” Miedecke has just won his first NASCAR Development Series Race in the United States (USA) taking out the Late Model Stock Car feature on Friday night (20th August) at Tri County Motor Speedway, North Carolina.The Port Macquarie driver moved to the USA earlier in the year to take up a drive he landed through Aussie legend Marcos Ambrose, and has already posted a few podium results with this being his first win.
After a tough learning period on the short track ovals of North Carolina, an equipment change saw the young Australian realise his potential. Engaging successful local team owner Jamie Yelton and race engineer David King as consultants produced a rapid turnaround in George’s fortunes, with the New South Welshman also achieving the quickest time in Qualifying.
“We did have a great race!” George agreed. “I really felt good working with David (King) in working out a strong setup for the car. Once the race started I just put my head down and drove, and it was nice hearing my spotter tell me that we were clearing out from the others!”
In the end, George crossed the line with a lead of almost the full straight, taking a dominant victory over 2nd placed NASCAR East Series driver McKenna Bell and track champion Grant Wimbish, who finished third.
The JTG Daugherty development driver found time out of his busy schedule earlier in the year and drove in the V8 Utes Ten Years of Legends Race against his father Touring car legend Andrew, and claimed victory in the Race.
The young-gun raced for 3 years in the V8 Ute Series, posted a number of wins and last year claimed third overall in the series dominating the end of year finale at Sydney’s Telstra 500 street race. He clearly believes his time in the V8 Ute series helped hone his race craft and the door to door action set him up well for his venture into the “good ole boy” network in the States.
Ambrose is personally mentoring the young star and has a firm development programme locked in for the Carolina based Aussie.
The next round of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All is Round 5, Phillip Island 10 – 12 September.
Make-A-Wish® Australia is the official charity of Australian V8 Ute Racing who will endeavour to assist the foundation with their mission, which is to “To grant the Wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope strength and joy.
