Ronnie Bassett Jr. Looks to Keep Perfect Record at Southern National

By Caitlin Tinius
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Updated: March 5, 2013

It’s been 135 days and counting since Ronnie Bassett Jr.’s last race in the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway. While that is one afternoon he wishes to put behind him, Bassett’s focus is on his 2012 accomplishments as he prepares for the upcoming season.

This weekend the UARA-STARS host their 2013 season opener at Southern National Motorsports Park. The event will mark the tour’s first visit to the track since 2007 and when UARA announced their return to SNMP, Bassett knew he wanted to be a part of the event.

Ronnie Bassett Jr. currently holds a perfect record on the 4/10 mile banked oval. At 16 years old Bassett went four for four last September, sweeping twin events both Friday and Saturday, during his first visit to the Kenly, NC track. If history is any indicator Bassett and his team hope to be contenders in the UARA event this weekend.

Last season Ronnie Bassett Jr. won an impressive nine races, with win statistics greater than 50%. Of his nine wins, four came in the UARA-STARS tour, making him the winningest driver of 2012. His last race with the tour ended in victory lane at Anderson Motor Speedway in October.

After anxiously awaiting the return of racing, Ronnie Bassett Jr. heads into 2013 with crew chief Chris Lawson hoping to continue their success. Since pairing up in 2011 the duo has had great chemistry. A part of that team has been car chief Seth Smith, but this season Smith steps over to Dillon Bassett’s #44 as crew chief.

Last Friday Bassett had his #04 Ford on track at Southern National. “The test went really well, the car is real consistent and fast on old tires,” Bassett said. Following a promising test day the team is hoping to start 2013 in the same fashion as 2012, where they won the season opener at Hickory.

Ronnie Bassett Jr. will hit the track Friday for practice and the green flag drops for the UARA-STARS 150 lap feature Saturday at 2 PM. Follow @Bassettjr_04 and @BassettRacing1 on Twitter for updates. Visit www.ronniebassettjr04.com for the latest racing news.