Mike Joy and his son Scott came to the 10/10ths Motor Club track for the Heritage Invitational to compete in Historic Trans Am racing and came away winners.
The new 10/10ths Motor Club track was the location for the most recent Historic Trans Am series racing. Cars that date back more than fifty years competed in some fast-paced, short-term races on the new track. The cars that competed are some of the most incredible American Muscle Cars ever created, many of which also competed in racing action back when they were new. What made this a joyful experience in Charlotte? Let’s find out.
What does the 10/10ths track offer?
The generous runoff areas of this new track are probably the most important features. With several tight turns and blind corners, even the most experienced and successful drivers will find their way into some of these areas during some fast laps around this track. The 10/10ths Motor Club track is meant to be driven, fast, hard, and test all of your skills.
The runoff areas are great for saving a car from damage, especially some of the high-priced models expected to call this track home, but they can also be used to allow drivers to take the corners wider and set up for the next straight portion.
Racing included twelve competitors and their glorious cars who began the day practicing, sighting in, and learning the course. The 10/10ths track is made to be used in three different ways:
10/10ths Track Configurations
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- Full Circuit – 1.7 miles, 19 turns
- Short Course – 1.1 miles, 13 turns
- Inner Loop – 0.567 miles, 7 turns
The Historic Trans Am racing utilized the Short Course, which runs directly behind the newly built clubhouse, giving spectators an elevated viewing position for the fastest part of the track, along with the start/finish line.
Racing showed Joy near the front
During qualifying laps and the Group A race of the inaugural race, it was clear that Scott Joy, driving the orange #17 Chevrolet Camaro, would be near the front of the race when it ended. Where he would eventually finish was left to be determined. During the race, he didn’t seem to fall back too far behind other leaders who made it to the podium, but that didn’t ensure his victory.
The #17 Camaro seemed to find various ways to grab the lead when the racing was at its slowest during some of the biggest turns. With blind corners, deep elevation changes, and very few straight areas of the course, the lead changed often, but the orange Chevy seemed to always be somewhere near the front of the group.
Scott Joy Finds The Checkered Flag
Racing went underway, and the glorious sounds of old-school cars filled the North Carolina landscape. Group A of the Historic Trans Am racing at the Smith Heritage Invitational was off and running, with many cars fighting it out for the lead spot. After a few laps, it was pretty clear which cars were going to finish near the top of the leaderboard. The podium for this inaugural race consisted of:
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- 3rd Place – Ken Adams #11
- 2nd Place – Peter Klutt #63
- 1st Place – Scott Joy #17
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Should The 17 Have Run Twice?
The #17 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Scott Joy, found the checkered flag during the first sanctioned race at the 10/10ths track. This is a distinction the young Joy will always have, but there’s something a little extra special about the car, the family, and the event. Scott’s father, Mike Joy, is well-known in NASCAR racing. Mike is the play-by-play commentator for Fox Sports’ NASCAR coverage and has been part of racing broadcasting for more than four decades.
The orange Chevrolet Camaro, wearing the number 17, which was driven to victory by Scott Joy during the first race, was featured on the track during Group B qualifying. This time, the senior Joy was driving the car. With Mike behind the wheel, this Camaro could have the chance to take two checkered flags and a bit of father-son history.
Alas, It Wasn’t To Be
Unfortunately, Mike Joy did not qualify for racing in Group B, which left only one race for the victorious Camaro. Still, both men can feel proud of the family’s accomplishments during the races. Mike can brag about Scott on broadcasts for several weeks, and Scott can enjoy the honor of being the first winner at the 10/10ths track. Still, a father-son winning duo would have been cool to see.
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