2016 Season-In-Review: Pierce’s 5 Wins Highlight Strong Season!
GRAND FORKS, ND (October 4) – A long, grueling 30+ race schedule has finally come to a close for Austin Pierce Racing. It might have been a slow start to the season for the Grand Forks-based 410 Sprint Car team, but they persevered to have another solid season overall.
The team was shook up a bit to start the year after losing a two-time Mechanic of the Year, but after a few growing pains the APR crew gelled nicely and they became a top contender come midseason.
“We had to first start by finding a baseline for our setup and getting comfortable making adjustments,” Austin said. “About a month into the season things started to click. It seems like we usually don’t get a win until about July, but this year it took until the end of July to get one. Once we got that first one, though, we were able to win quite a few.
“Our confidence was up and we didn’t really have a bad night after that so we were able to build on that momentum. By that time of the season any changes we were making to the car were pretty minor so I knew what to expect each time I got in the car. We weren’t throwing any curveballs at the setup so I think that’s what helped us be consistent.”
Despite a late season charge at the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) points championship, Pierce came up just a bit short and finished third in the standings.
“I think we could have been a contender for the championship at the end, but missed it by just a few points. We only wrecked one night this year so if we could take that back, we would have been right there. That just shows how good you have to be the whole year in order to win these things.”
Austin finished third in the season finale at River Cities Speedway, which brought his 2016 season totals to five wins, 21 top fives, 24 top tens, and 12 heat race wins in 32 races.
Austin and the entire team would like to thank all of their great sponsors for their continued support in 2016!
Opp Construction
Lithia Ford Lincoln of Grand Forks
AJ’s Sandblasting
Grand Forks Abstract & Title (GFabstract.com)
All Pro Electric LLC
Adams Snow Removal
Solem Farms
Vollrath Farms
Hillesland Farms
Augie’s Flying Service
Bun Lounge
Highland Excavating
Dahlstrom Motors Inc.
Adams Marketing Promotions
Boss Signs & Graphics
Photos and recaps provided all season long by Mike Spieker.
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