16 Year Old CJ Greaves Wins First Race in the Pro2WD Class
CJ Brings Home 3 Podiums in Charlotte
Johnny suffered a right rear flat on Friday night due to early contact with Mike Jenkins and Adrian Cenni. The crew made an incredibly fast tire change, only to be held at the entrance to the track by race officials for 10 seconds, putting Johnny a lap down, and out of contention. In spite of the flat tire, he squeezed out a 4th place finish.
On Saturday, Johnnys luck did not improve. He was looking very strong in the first half of the race and was leading at the competition caution. However, a mechanical problem sent him to the pits, unable to finish the race.
CJ would have a remarkable opening weekend to say the least. He strapped-in to the Monster Energy/ Toyota/ Oakley/Maxxis Tire Pro Light first, rolling off from the poll position. He battled hard all race in the top 3 positions and made a last lap attempt to pass Brad Lovell for second. CJ was unable to make the pass and settled for a hard fought 3rd place--a podium in his first race of the year!
In Saturdays Pro Light race, the younger Greaves lurked in the top five all race. With the end of the race in sight, he made a last chance charge to gain a podium spot when Brad Lovell rear-ended him, sending him spinning out of control. CJ was able to quickly gather his Toyota but lost his momentum and his chance to move up before the end of the race. He settled for a very respectable 4th place finish.
In his Pro 2WD debut, CJ Greaves hoped to get a feel for the truck and learn as much as possible in only his 2nd time in the seat of the 800hp Tundra. He did much better than that. CJ Greaves ended up winning the race--not only his first Pro2WD win but he made history in the process by being the youngest driver to ever win a pro 2 class race... a record that is sure to stand for a long time!
CJ pulled a great holeshot, winding up 3rd. While Bryce Menzies, the reigning Pro2WD champ, and veteran Jeff Kincaid battled up front, CJ was being patient as the top 3 stretched their lead from the rest of the field. As the laps wound down to the competition caution, CJ closed the gap between him and Kincaid. On the restart, Kincaid bicycled on one of the infield turns giving CJ the opportunity to advance. He made the pass into second at the entrance to the front stretch. With only 1 1/2 laps remaining in the race, the leader, Bryce Menzies, spun-out moving CJ into the lead and propelling him to his win!
An elated CJ jumped on the top of his winning truck just like his dad has done in his many wins over his legendary racing career.
I was very proud and excited to see CJ get that win, said the overjoyed elder Greaves. We were really not sure how he would feel in the truck since it was only his second time in the seat. He is really able to feel the tire hook-up and communicate what the truck is doing to Brad and me. CJ knows its just the first race, but its just very exciting.
In Saturdays Pro2WD race, CJ worked his way up to 4th at the competition caution after avoiding early collisions in front of him. Bryce Menzies took the lead away from Chad Hord, who dropped to 3rd just ahead of the caution. On lap 13, Oberg goes head-over-heals, bringing out a full course caution. On the restart, Menzies, Hord and Greaves pulled away from the field. CJ worked hard to get around Hord but was unable, but landed his 3rd podium of the opening weekend of racing.
The TORC series moves to Red Bud Motocross park located in Buchanan, MI, for rounds 3 and 4 on May 26th and 27th. Replays of the Charlotte races can be seen on xsantv USTREAM channel.
