Despite not getting the Daytona finish Michael Self wanted this year to start the season, he has been on a tear recently, winning at Five Flags and Salem Speedway.
Even though he won two races back-to-back, Self did not have the points lead coming into the race at Talladega Superspeedway. He was chasing down Travis Braden who was the points leader following the event at Salem. Self was hoping to change that and take over the lead after Talladega.
Self ran a smart race after qualifying fifth earlier in the day Friday and pacing practice.
He had a close call with last year’s runner up Joe Graf Jr, as Self got sideways on the frontstretch, but he held on to his car and kept from wrecking.
At the end of the 76 lapper, Self and the No. 25 Venturini team found themselves in fifth place but taking the overall points lead.
“Fifth place is definitely better than a 31st like Daytona was,” Self told FOX Sports 1. “My day almost flashed before my eyes coming off (Turn) 4 there on like Lap 6 or something. My god, I was mad. Didn’t want to do that, but a good day for the Sinclair Toyota. You come here to these places and can’t expect to win. You can have a good car, but hope things fall into place.
“Happy to come out with the points lead, so that’s pretty cool. Now we can focus on Nashville, where our short track program has been really strong the past couple of weeks, excited to get back to the fab with these 25 guys. You know it was fun. Thanks to General Tire for putting this race on and for the sport to give this series is always great products. They do a great job supporting the series. Menards all you guys, thanks to Sinclair for this and for the coverage and everyone who tuned in out there. Hope it was a good one to watch.”
