Hawkins Finishes Fourth at Nashville

Whenever Matt Hawkins climbs in to his ARCA RE/MAX Series car, you can expect to see him race up front.  That was no different Saturday at Nashville Superspeedway as he drive his #39 to a forth place finish. 

“We missed it a little and didn't get it freed-up enough,” said Hawkins,

“But it almost worked out at the end.  All in all in was a good week, we

probably could have ran second or third, but I'm happy with it.”

Hawkins qualified sixth and was running in that position when things

got tricky in the final ten laps.  Hawkins looked in position to challenge

for a top three finish as he looked to be closing in on leaders late in

the race.  However, Sean Cassie wasn't going to give any spots up

easily and slammed the door on the #39.

A late race caution set the field up for a last lap shootout.  Hawkins

looked to pass Caisse for the third position only to have the door

slammed shut again.  The two tangled a bit, allowing Brian Scott to pass

for the third position, and Hawkins to hang on for a 4th place finish. 

“The 01 kind of ruined it for us and he kind of did it twice,” said Hawkins, “He came down twice and I wasn't taking it twice, but the second time it let Brian Scott get by me.”

It's practically impossible for Hawkins to be disappointed with the finish though or any of his finishes during his part-time ARCA stint.  Nashville marked Hawkins' final ARCA race of the season, but during the year he accumulated a win, three top-five finishes, and four top-ten finishes in his five races. 

“We've been really fortunate and had good cars,” said Hawkins, “If we'd run some more races I think we'd be there contending for more wins.  It seems like we get better every track we go to.”

Hawkins, who runs the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series full time, has really enjoyed his ARCA experiences.  While no plans are finalized for the future, he'd like to spend more time in the series.  “

That's what I want to do.  I love the bigger track and I like being at the ARCA races and atmosphere is great, it's a lot smoother,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins spent Monday testing his Pro Cup car at Bristol for his next race Wednesday, August 20th, and likes what he has so far.  “

We were good,” said Hawkins, “Second or third fastest, so I'm excited.”

But until Wednesday, Hawkins will enjoy a much needed weekend off.