HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (April 14, 2013) – Cory Joyce and the No. 20 Shibby Clothing Line Chevrolet team put on a solid show for the fans at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway after racing inside the top 10 throughout the majority of the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series’ 75-lap race at the legendary one-mile oval. With a very competitive car, the Shibby team was sidelined with just 10 laps remaining when a broken piston slowed the car and ended their day.
Joyce and his Mooresville N.C.-based Cory Joyce Racing team spent the last six weeks preparing for their first race of the 2013 season. The team worked hard throughout the weekend, overcoming a broken oil pan during the opening practice session and making several adjustments before Saturday morning’s qualifying session.
The No. 20 Shibby Clothing Line Chevrolet rolled off in the 10th position for the UARA-STARS 75 at Rockingham Speedway. In a quick race with just two caution periods, Joyce set a calm pace and methodically raced through the field. By lap 60, he had moved into the top five and passed most of the drivers expected to compete for the win on Saturday afternoon.
As early as lap 35 Joyce felt the motor cut out, but he was able to maintain competitive lap times in the No. 20 Shibby Chevrolet. However on lap 65, with just 10 laps remaining, Joyce was forced to the garage with an expired motor as a result of a broken piston. At the conclusion of the UARA-STARS 75, Joyce was scored with a 20th-place finish.
“I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish with the No. 20 Shibby Clothing Line Chevrolet this weekend,” commented Joyce. “While we didn’t get the result we hoped for, we had a great car. We passed a lot of guys during the race and were in a position to compete for the win. Rockingham Speedway has always been one of my favorite tracks, so to be able to come here and race up front means a lot. All of the guys on my team have full-time jobs, yet they’re always willing to put in the time to make sure our car is perfect. I can’t thank them enough.”