The Billy Boat Performance Exhaust Dodge Dakota rolled off the trailer fast, and Chad’s early times in practice gave Chad and the team high expectations for qualifying. Chad timed in at a 15.78, putting him in fourth place, but only .04 off the pole position of 15.74. The roll for the inversion was six, so Chad would be starting on the inside of the second row.

At the drop of the green flag Chad stayed on the bumper of pole sitter and two time ASA Speedtruck champion Lee Hatch as they drove off into turn one. He battled with outside starter Victor Phluger side-by-side for five laps before Chad was able to take the position. Chad then set his sights on Hatch, who had pulled out to a three truck length lead. “I knew I had a great truck, and once I got into second I just wanted to be patient. I know my truck usually stays good on long runs, so I was hoping Lee’s truck might go away and give me a chance to pass.”

By the half-way point in the 100 lap event Chad and Lee Hatch had proven they were the class of the field, and they were running nearly identical lap times. Chad stayed in his mirror, waiting for any opportunity or mistake. As the laps wound down Chad closed and was on the bumper of the 03 truck, but could not find a way by end finished in the second position, a great run for the Speedtruck rookie. “I could see Lee was getting a little loose at the end, but I couldn’t get back into the throttle quite quick enough to make the pass. My Crew Chief Randy Nelson gave me a great truck, and we will just keep working hard until we get that first win.”

With his second place finish Chad moved into the lead in rookie point for the ASA Speedtrucks.