ROSEVILLE, CA – Throughout the years we have witnessed Campbell Motorsports driver Derek Thorn, overcome adversity on the track, and by the end of the race he finds his way to victory lane. Thorn has built part of his resume as a driver who will not allow obstacles to keep him from giving 110%, from practice, to qualifying, and of course the race itself.
Staying positive throughout the weekend, and putting his faith on his team, and even more his crew chief Mike Keen, is consistently seen as the recipe for the #43 to be successful on the track. Let’s not forget the very first piece to this puzzle comes from the support and backing from team owners Byron and Carol Campbell, who give the team every tool necessary to succeed.
Even though Thorn would once again overcome adversity on the track late in the race to get the win. The weekend started out with heartbreaking news involving the owners of the #43 team, which gave the team a new reason to perform above their abilities and put the #43 in victory lane. The mother and mother-in-law of team owners Byron and Carol Campbell, suddenly passed away on Friday and gave this race weekend a somber feeling over the two days of racing.
“We had heavy hearts going into this weekend’s race and we were proud to bring the win home for Kathryn Patrick! Thinking about the Campbell and Patrick family during this tough time. Thanks for everyone’s support”, said Thorn after winning the JM Environmental Inc. 150 presented by 51 Fifty LTM SRL Spears Southwest Tour race.
On lap 102 Thorn found himself in a no contact spin coming out of turn two and out of the lead, after which he entered the pits thinking it was a flat tire. After coming back out during a red flag to clean up the track because of an oil spill, he found himself back in P13. The earlier spin was from the oil that was leaked on the track. Eventually Thorn found himself back in the lead after some wild racing, and back in victory lane.
“I guess the feeling of this win hasn’t settled in yet”, Thorn admitted. “The biggest thing is that my thoughts and prayers are with the Campbell and Patrick family. I’m thinking about them and praying for them. This win is for them!”
Team owner Byron Campbell had this to say after the race via text message, “It gave me a smile that I needed today. I think my mother-in-law might have helped tonight.” No doubt in anyone’s mind she was with the team throughout the weekend, and helped the #43 team get a well-deserved victory.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Campbell family in this difficult time.
Story and photos courtesy of Sal Sigala Jr.
Stay tuned to superlatemodel.com. We will have more on Derek Thorne and Campbell Motorsports as it becomes available.
