BRABHAM TRIUMPHS IN TEXAS SUPER TRUCKS RACE TWO, RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

Matt Brabham won race two in the Speed Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, following a tough first race this morning at Texas Motor Speedway.

The championship leader’s win was dedicated to Jared Black, the step-son of a Preston Rentals staff member who tragically lost his life in the Santa Fe school shooting in Texas last month. Brabham carried a tribute sticker on his truck for Jared this weekend.

Brabham was fastest in qualifying and with the reverse grid, was rear of the field for race one. He then muscled his way from the back to the front and was running in third.

Unfortunately some damage sustained to the front of the truck saw Brabham’s hood flip up which impaired his vision. Brabham tried to push on and keep in touch with the race leaders but hit the first jump on the straightaway side-on and rolled into the wall, flipping several times.

The DeVilbiss team were able to repair the truck and put Brabham back out on track for the evening race.

The dual USA and Australian resident lined up fifth for the second race and was quick to make an impact on the leading pack. He was able to pick off the leaders and make it to the front after the first competition caution.

Brabham was then able to stretch his lead over the rest of the pack and got a good jump off the second restart, with the field unable to challenge him as he sped toward the chequered flag.

The Preston Rentals ambassador has won three of the six rounds outright this year, taking top honours in Adelaide AUS, Long Beach USA and Perth AUS.

With his race win, Brabham was also able to secure second overall for the Texas Stadium SUPER Truck round.

Brabham now returns to Australia to jump back into co-driver duties for the Preston Hire Racing Team in the Supercars Championship. He’ll get back in the Holden Commodore at Queensland Raceway for the dedicated co-driver session (July 20-22), preparing for the PIRTEK Enduro Cup.

The Stadium SUPER Trucks series next heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (August 23-25), where Matt will look to extend his championship lead.

WHAT MATT HAS TO SAY…
“Race one was really good, we were able to come through the field and battle for the lead, but the hood came up and I couldn’t really see,” said Brabham.

“I tried to follow the truck in front of me and I thought if I go over a jump the hood might go down. But unfortunately I misjudged the jump and ended up rolling. The truck had a little bit of damage, so it was a great job by the DeVilbiss guys to get us out for race two.

“Starting in fifth for race two allowed me to get through the pack quicker. And then I used a bit of strategy to get to the lead. I waited until the guy in front took his joker lap then put in a really quick lap and took my joker and was able to stay in front.

“I want to dedicate the win tonight to Jared Black, we were able to carry the tribute sticker for him this weekend and it’s a special feeling being able to win for him and his family.”

“We had the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation at the track with us this weekend and it was great to talk to the military veteran and first responder families and have them with us, and obviously be able to take the truck to the winner’s circle tonight in front of them.”