While he was not diagnosed with an injury at the medical center, he admitted to suffering post-concussion symptoms that he did not disclose with his playoff birth at stake. Rampage was also involved in multiple incidents in the next two races at Peoria Motor Speedway and Nazareth Speedway.
"It's been a great career with some ups, downs, and a few flips along the way," Rampage said in a statement. "It's time to step away and let another exciting new team fill the void that will be left behind." nascarfan19 is prepared to leave as well and indicated that it is a business-related decision. He is expected to take up a managerial role at his current team after his driving career is finished. The #64 driver remains active in the Chase as part of the Round of 12. "I’ve really enjoyed my time in the NFRN Elite Cup Series, and while I’m stepping out of the driver’s seat and moving onto the next stage in my career, I know this team and series is in good hands," nascarfan19 said in a statement. "It means a lot to walk out on my own terms with a great friend and teammate. We still have unfinished business as a group, and hopefully this will clear the air as we attack these final seven races." As a duo, they are among the most decorated NECS drivers in the short tenure of the league. Rampage has posted three wins, seven top-5s, and 12 top-10s to date alongside his Season 1 title. nascarfan19 has earned two wins, 10 top-5s, and 14 top-10s, finishing 7th in last season's standings. They are #1 and #2 in the NFRN's All-Time Driver Power Index. The team indicated that it would continue to operate under the rebranded name of Arch Motorsports starting next season. While it could not announce a potential future replacement, a newcomer to the league appeared to be most likely to join the team. Team drivers Sparky the Sun Devil and Clint McComb will likely remain in their current roles. RamCo will also still compete in the offseason 24-Hour Race with its quartet of drivers. "Rampage and nascarfan19 have been essential to the growth of the league as part of the inaugural class of NFRN Elite Cup Series drivers," the NFRN said in a statement. "With both drivers' accomplishments on the track, leading several statistical categories, and Rampage being crowned the first champion in series history, they have set the foundation for future drivers in the years to come. We appreciate their contributions to the NFRN and wish them both the best in their future endeavors." The league also said it would review its medical policies following the revelation of Rampage's injuries. The NFRN will not penalize the driver of the #1 car.
Five Chasers ended up in the top-10 after only two hit that mark in the first practice, with Phillip Fry and Amethyst Ashley proving to be early favorites after running top-10 in both sessions. Six of the playoff drivers improved their position between sessions.
Some drivers still have reason to be concerned, with three Chasers in the bottom six positions. Jake Baskinger, who ended the Round of 16 with the points lead, was 33rd in this session, and David Davidson, 5th in standings, was dead last. Neither driver placed in the top-20 in first practice. Here's the final practice results for NECS Race 20: (playoff drivers in bold) 1) Aidan Shepherd (R) - 24.875 (110) 2) Gerrard Oran (R) - 24.877 (100) 3) nascarfan19 - 24.891 (107) 4) Nick Smith - 24.900 (111) 5) Phillip Fry (R) - 24.905 (109) 6) Bruno de Barros (R) - 24.906 (109) 7) Amethyst Ashley (R) - 24.914 (112) 8) Julio Cesar (R) - 24.917 (111) 9) Zachary Fitzwater Sr. (R) - 24.924 (113) 10) Noah Pontzer (R) - 24.926 (111) 11) Jek Porkins (R) - 24.929 (111) 12) John Arndt - 24.930 (111) 22) Adam Mundinger (R) - 24.966 (112) T23) Stuart Gratton (R) - 24.967 (103) 31) William Brock - 24.995 (113) 33) Jake Baskinger (R) - 24.998 (112) 36) David Davidson (R) - 25.020 (115) |
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