After a challenging first half of the season, Adam Pierson finds success after switching to back up cars
The first half of the Super DIRTcar Series season left Adam Pierson with several questions. One even about his desire to continue racing.
Then, a breakthrough. A top five, followed by a top five, followed by restored confidence and the desire for more.
“For a while, I thought it was just me, or just me not doing things the way I should be doing them,” Pierson said. “When I ran the (backup car at Lebanon Valley Speedway in September), I was comfortable with the car and knew what it could do. So, it is a confidence deal for me. It definitely boosted us, for sure, to have two top fives the last two races and have no issues.”
The East Corinth, VT driver scored a fourth-place finish at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 2, after switching to his back up Big Block Modified. Pierson stayed proactive in his problem solving, using the car he runs weekly at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in the next Series race at Ransomville on Aug. 22 for his second straight fourth-place finish – and third top-five finish of the season.
“The fourth-place finish at Ransomville got the confidence back up,” Pierson said.
With momentum finally built in his favor, he’ll head to his home track once more during the Malta Massive Weekend on Sept. 23 for another chance at scoring his first Series victory.
Last season, during the September visit to the Malta, NY track, Pierson found himself on the inside of row two for the night’s Feature. He bolted out in front at the drop of the green flag, finding himself in the lead by Lap 2. He led for the next 81 laps, before being forced to exit the track on Lap 83 with a blown motor.
This time around, he’s ready to finish what he started last year.
“This is a new season,” Pierson said. “We’ve been having really good luck with the motors this year. They’ve been holding together really well… I’m confident we’ll be in contention to win.”
Pierson’s focus is two-fold, also preparing for his trip to Oswego Speedway for Super DIRT Week 51, Oct. 2-8, where he plans on bringing two Big Block Modifieds and one Small Block Modified.
Spectators saw glimpses of his potential at last year’s Billy Whittaker Cars 200 where he ran as high as third place for eight laps. He eventually finished in 25th place.
With the experience under his belt, he is learning to be a student of the sport and glean from what didn’t work to continue progressing.
“You have to pace yourself because it’s 200 laps,” Pierson said. “You’re not going to win the first 30. You have to save your car for the end and don’t abuse your car too much and wear things out. If we can have a good solid week at Super DIRT Week, make the shows, then finish in the top 10 (for the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 and the Salute to the Troops 150), we would be happy with that.”
UP NEXT: The Super DIRTcar Series Big Blocks will head to Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 23, for a 115-lap, $11,500-to-win, Super DIRT Week 51 qualifier.
If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every Super DIRTcar Series race live on DIRTVision – either at DIRTVision.com or by downloading the DIRTVision App.
