Carlos Vieira Seeks to Overcome Disappointment at All American Speedway

Carlos E. Vieira has been racing with the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series presented by Lucas Oil since 2008, when he started two feature events in the then Flashco SRL Southwest Tour Series. Since that time, he has racked up a total of 98 starts in the series. Vieira has amassed 15 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes in those starts, but he has still yet to score that elusive first victory. He has Late Model wins and Pacific Challenge Series Super Late Model wins, to the tune of three. His best SRL finish has been a second, however. At the last event at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY – ROSEVILLE CA, it appeared that streak would end.

The next event on the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a return trip to that same All-American Speedway on September 26th for the “JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. Wild West Shootout –  Thunderstruck – 127 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM. The scene from August 15th found Vieira restarting that curfew shortened 115 lap event in the second position, with what turned out to be 13 laps to go. 2019 SRL Champion Cole Moore selected the outside line for the restart, but Vieira got a great jump on Moore and surged to the lead. Moore appeared to have the faster car, however, and repeatedly pressured Vieira for the top spot. Both drivers were looking for their first series wins.

“I was telling myself to be consistent and protect my line” Vieira recalled. “I knew he might get a bit aggressive to get past me, so I tried to be ready. I didn’t think he would do something to send us both to the back of the field.”

As the laps clicked off, not knowing what lap the race would end, Moore continued to apply pressure, getting under Vieira on lap 108. Contact on the backstretch caused Moore to back out, but the ensuing contact in Turn 3 caused Vieira to spin. Moore was sent to the rear by rule, but for Vieira, the opportunity for a long-awaited win was eliminated. It was an emotional moment for the Campbell Motorsports driver, and his disappointment was monumental at the time.

I was pi**ed off”, Vieira exclaimed! “I honestly felt that night was going to be my first SRL win. It would have been awesome for me, but also a huge win for my team.”

Vieira ultimately settled for 11th in the event. It was a disappointing ending to what looked like a promising day, as the final laps wound down. Earlier Vieira qualified a season’s worst 16th. But he ran a patient race and took advantage of his opportunities, putting himself in a position to win. The fact that Vieira put himself in that position gives Vieira even more confidence, as he knows Mike Keen will give the driver of the 51 FIFTY Toyota Camry an even better car on the 26th.

“I have total confidence in Mike Keen, my crew chief”, Vieira stated. “I’m sure he knows what the car needs to be even better this next time we are there. In regard to  my confidence as a driver, I feel good. The win is coming soon.”

Vieira not only races in the toughest series on the West Coast, he is also a phenomenally successful businessman and entrepreneur. He owns or manages several businesses, as well as multiple charities that he supports through the Carlos Vieira Foundation. He is deeply involved in the community and has even produced a book about the struggles he has overcome in his life (Knockin’ Doorz Down). If “Hard Work” was defined in Webster’s Dictionary, a photo of Carlos Vieira would accompany it.

“I work 24/7 when I am not racing”, Vieira explained. “ I even work sometimes while I’m at the track. You know the saying; work hard, play hard, that has been my life.”

Vieira and the Campbell Motorsports group will look to put all their hard work into getting Carlos a win at All American Speedway on the 26th. If the team can make additional improvements to the car, don’t be surprised to see Vieira challenging for another victory and joining teammate Derek Thorn in Winner’s Circle. For an opportunity to perform in the SRL, Vieira is thankful for the support he gets.

“I would like to thank Campbell Motorsports and Allied Packaging”, Vieira expressed. “I also want to let people know about my new book and podcast, Knockin’ Doorz Down. Please check it out at: www.kddmediacompany.com.

The “JM Environmental Wild West Shootout – Thunderstruck 127 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM.” will be Round #6 of the season, for the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series. It will pay $5,000 to the winner, thanks to the “Winners Bonus” from McGunegill Engine Performance. A Halfway Break is scheduled for the event, and the driver who leads lap 27 will receive an additional $1,000 thanks to JM Environmental. The Performance Friction Brakes Zero Drag Fast Time Award winner will receive $500, also thanks to JM Environmental Inc.

Practice for the series is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm (PST) on Saturday, with Qualifying at 4:15 pm and Opening Ceremonies at 5:00 pm.   For those not in attendance, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series will be live streamed on www.SpearsRacing.TV. The local NASCAR Divisions will be live streamed at www.AllAmericanSpeedway.TV