By Lee Elder
WEST MEMPHIS, Ar. (April 21, 2018) – Daryn Pittman earned his first win of the season, leading the final 31 laps of the Craftsman World of Outlaws race at Riverside International Speedway.
Pittman started the event eighth in WoO points but he had not finished among the top five all season and seemed to feel he had pulled a monkey off his back with the win.
“It’s been a struggle,” Pittman admitted during the post-race interview. “You can’t help but question yourself and your ability.”
Pittman first led on the first lap but Sheldon Haudenschild grabbed the top spot on the eighth circuit. Pittman went back in front for the ninth lap and his stirring race with Haudenschild ended when the former leader tipped over while riding the cushion in turns one and two with 19 laps completed. The race was a 40-lapper.
Pittman was challenged by Paul McMahan and Brad Sweet over the rest of the distance, but Pittman was never headed.
“I was really questioning whether the bottom was the place to be,” Pittman said of the final half of the race. “I decided to stick with it.”
Sweet finished second, McMahan was third, followed by Rico Abreu, David Gravel, Joey Saldana, Hunter Schuerenberg, Donny Schatz, Jason Johnson and Kraig Kinser.
“We’re making gains with our race car,” Pittman said. “I haven’t forgotten how to do this.”
He’ll get another chance Saturday when the Outlaws race at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Missouri.