Column By: MARTY KELLY III / RPW – MARTINSVILLE, VA – Bohemia, New York’s Dillon Steuer made his NASCAR truck series debut last night at Martinsville Speedway.
The 20-year-old dirt and pavement modified standout started 33rd and was scored 32nd unofficially after a late crash.
Steuer piloted the #20 truck, carrying sponsorship from Randco Industries, a Texas-based manufacturer of steel buildings. He served as teammate to Jesse Little and Spencer Boyd of Young’s Motorsports, a team celebrating it’s 10th year in business this season.
The North Carolina based outfit has two prior wins in the truck series, each coming at Talladega. Boyd drove the #12 truck to victory there in 2019 while Tate Fogelman followed suit in 2021.
Fans in the Northeast will remember Steuer from his Northeastern Office Equipment #6 modified, which he’s chauffeured to victory at Lebanon Valley and Wall Stadium, as well as the Zubi’s Racing #17, which he competes in at Orange County Fair Speedway and other stops along the PA/NJ circuit.
Steuer completed 121 of 200 laps and was running 26th at the time of his crash.
“Just got stuffed in the wall there going into turn three,” Steuer said. “Not sure what that was about.”
While the night didn’t end the way he wanted it to, Steuer was able to recall his experience in asphalt modified racing and adjust quickly to the heavier truck, even with hardly any track time due to inclement weather.
“It definitely helped to have experience in the asphalt modifieds,” he said. “The truck drives different than anything I’ve ever driven but I feel like I got comfortable pretty quick.”
Steuer said his Silverado was quite close to being competitive and that the team was only a few adjustments away.
“Unfortunately, we did not get that opportunity to figure out what changes needed to be made with practice and qualifying being cancelled,” Steuer said.
His Young’s Motorsports teammates did not fare much better. Boyd was forced out due to mechanical issues and Little was wrecked on lap 157. Steuer is not yet sure when he will be back behind the wheel of a truck.
“Obviously it takes a lot to be able to compete in the truck series, but I am hopeful that I will get another shot at it soon,” he said.
Modified and truck series regular Stewart Friesen was also in competition, finishing 13th after being spun on lap 136.
The truck series heads to a clay-covered Bristol Motor Speedway next Saturday night at 8:00 PM for a 150-lap contest. Friesen will be back in action along with his wife, Jessica, who will attempt to qualify for the event. Fan-favorite Norm Benning will also be in action.
