‘He is on the way up and is one of the most talented players’
By MATT COLES 

Reigning champion Marwan ElShorbagy survived a huge scare from Mohamed Abouelghar on day four of the El Gouna International Squash Open as he got his title defence under way on the spectacular glass court at Abu Tig Marina, which hosts the PSA World Tour Platinum tournament.

The Egyptian won this title last year, beating current World No.1 Ali Farag in the final, but it looked like he was on his way out after just a single match this time around. Abouelghar had never beaten his compatriot on the PSA World Tour before in three previous attempts, but he started the stronger of the two, and took the first game.

ElShorbagy came back to win the second and third with ease, but World No.8 Abouelghar fought back. He eventually had two match balls in the fifth game, but Bristol-based ElShorbagy saved both of them before winning the match thanks to some fine attacking shots at the very end.

The win sends the defending champion through to the third round of the tournament, where he will face Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller on Monday April 22.

“It was tough. It is always tough with Abouelghar. We have played so many times,” ElShorbagy said.

“I haven’t beaten a top 10 player in a long time and Abouelghar has been playing some amazing squash. I did not know what to expect because this is the best he has ever played. He is on the way up and he now is in the top eight. He is one of the most talented squash players.

“I think we both settled from the third game, I would say. It was a tough match and I expected no less. To be able to win today, I am quite happy with the result. There are a few things I need to improve for my next match, but it is just good to get into the tournament with a win like this.”

Also on the glass court, Marwan’s older brother, World No.2 Mohamed, overcame a tough challenge from Hong Kong’s Max Lee, but the former World Champion advanced after a four-game victory to get his attempts to win a second El Gouna International title under way.

Elsewhere in today’s action, Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez had to come from two games down to overhaul Germany’s Raphael Kandra at the El Gouna Squash Complex.

Rodriguez had beaten Kandra in two of their three previous meetings – including in the semi-finals of last year’s Allam British Open – but Kandra got the win the last time they played in September’s China Open.

The German played some high-calibre squash to go two games up at the Squash Complex, saving a game ball in the second. World No.7 Rodriguez was able to impose himself more on the match though after that point as he ramped up the pace and picked up all of Kandra’s shots at the front of the court as the German lost his basic length hitting.

After levelling, the ‘Colombian Cannonball’ made the most of a great start in the fifth to go two match balls up. Kandra fought back to level but, to the disappointment of the German contingent in the crowd, Rodriguez found his winning shots to complete an 8-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 victory.

“I didn’t start very well, he did though. He really played his best squash there, so from that point on, I changed my strategy,” Rodriguez said after the match.

“Instead of going with a slow pace, I increased it and made the rallies longer. He seemed to give up mid-game. I realised he was probably going to be back fighting in the fifth, which he was, and I was ready for it.

“I had lost to Raphael in Shanghai, so I’m happy with the win. Today was not physical as much as it was mental and tactical, the ball was very bouncy, and you had to find the right pace to get the ball in the back corners.”

Mueller also survived a five-game battle on day four, as he overcame Scotland’s Alan Clyne in a match that lasted over an hour. Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, Fares Dessouky and Omar Mosaad are also through to the last 16, along with Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.

In the women’s draw, Egypt’s World No.2 Nour el Sherbini is into the third round after beating compatriot Yathreb Adel in straight games on the glass court.

The pair had only met twice before on the PSA World Tour, despite having both turned professional in the early part of 2009. The first game was a scrappy one, with neither player able to find any momentum, but El Sherbini was able to pull through in the end to take an early lead.

But El Sherbini, who won her second World Championship title back in 2017 on this very court, followed that up with a win in the second game, but that came much tougher, as Adel held a lead for much of the game. However, El Sherbini was too strong for her compatriot and will now take on Egypt’s Nadine Shahin in the next round.

“Playing Yathreb in the second round is a very tricky match. We have been playing for a long, long time. I can’t describe how long we have been playing against each other,” Sherbini said after her win.

“It was a tough first round, but I am happy with the way I played and I am happy with my performance. I am trying to get back in the mood after the DPD Open. It was a very short couple of days between them but it was a good start and hopefully it will keep going for the rest of the week.

“Gouna is always special and unique and I love being here. I love the vibe and the people. Your family and friends come and watch you. It is great being here and apart from the wind, the venue here is really amazing. Everything is perfect for me and hopefully this year is going to be another good memory for me as well.”

France’s Camille Serme won the first match of the evening on the glass court, as she defeated United States No.2 Olivia Blatchford Clyne in straight games.

At the Squash Complex, World No.30 Nadine Shahin shocked World No.10 Alison Waters to earn her place against El Sherbini on the glass court.

It was a momentous day for the Egyptian, as she claimed her first victory over top 10 opposition, and her first berth in the third round of a PSA World Tour Platinum event.

“It’s one of my biggest wins so far, I’ve never beaten a top 10 player. I was feeling really excited, and I played her once in Chicago two months ago,” Shahin said.

“I lost 3-0 really quickly, so I was determined to do better in this one. I had to not lose focus, not even for a second. To beat someone like Alison, you have to be determined, and you have to be 100 per cent focused.

“I switched coaches, so for the last couple of months I’ve been working really hard with my new coach, Omar Abdel Meguid, and I think mentally I’m tougher and stronger. Even two months ago, I was not like this.”

Two other Egyptians are into the last 16 of the women’s draw, as Zeina Mickawy and Nouran Gohar defeated Hania El Hammamy and England’s Millie Tomlinson.

England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, Wales’ Tesni Evans and Hong Kong’s Annie Au are also through to the third round after claiming wins over Egypt’s Rowan Elaraby, Canada’s Hollie Naughton and England’s Julianne Courtice.

The action continues tomorrow as the top half of the draw play their third round matches across the two venues. Action begins at the El Gouna Squash Complex at 12:00 local time (GMT+2), with glass court action beginning at 18:30 local (GMT+2).

Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour (excluding Europe and Japan).

El Gouna International, Abu Tig Marina, Egypt.

Men’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 

[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 4-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9 (33m)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 3-2: 3-11, 12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-2 (73m)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 3-2: 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6 (69m)
Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [8] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-2: 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 13-11 (62m)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-2: 8-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 (75m)
[WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 7-4 retired (8m)
Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 3-1: 13-11, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4 (56m)
[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-1: 13-11, 3-11, 11-4, 11-6 (41m)

Women’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 12-10 (31m)
[10] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt Hollie Naughton (CAN) 3-2: 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2 (54m)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) bt Julianne Courtice (ENG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-8, 11-7 (27m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-1: 8-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 (59m)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 13-11 (30m)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt [15] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7 (57m)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt [9] Alison Waters (ENG) 3-1: 12-10, 4-11, 12-10, 11-3 (37m)
[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Yathreb Adel (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (28m)

Men’s Third Round (Top Half): To Be Played Sunday 21st April
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v Diego Elias (PER)
Joel Makin (WAL) v [7] Paul Coll (NZL)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) v Adrian Waller (ENG)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Top Half): To Be Played Sunday 21st April
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Tinne Gilis (BEL)
Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [5] Joelle King (NZL)
[7] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [13] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[12] Salma Hany (EGY) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)

Men’s Third Round (Bottom Half): To Be Played Monday 22nd April
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) v Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Cesar Salazar (MEX) v [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Bottom Half): To Be Played Monday 22nd April
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [10] Tesni Evans (WAL)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) v [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)  

Pictures courtesy ofPSA 

Amanda Sobhy digs deep to beat Laura Massaro
By MATT COLES

Egypt’s World No.1 Ali Farag is through to the quarter finals of the El Gouna International Squash Open, PSA World Tour Platinum tournament after surviving a gripping, five-game encounter against Peru’s Diego Elias on the glass court at the spectacular Abu Tig Marina earlier today.

The 81-minute encounter saw some high-quality squash played from both players, with Farag taking a two-game lead, only to see a stunning resurgence from Elias put the World No.9 on the verge of an incredible win.

The Peruvian’s energy levels dipped in the fifth as the physical exertion took its toll, and Farag re-established himself on the match to close the win out and book his place in the next round with an 11-8, 11-3, 14-16, 6-11, 11-5 victory to set up a fixture with World No.5 Paul Coll.

“I played really well for almost three full games, up until 9-5 [in the third], I had a good lead and I was controlling it,” Farag said.

“Once I lost that one, he let his racket go and he’s very dangerous when he does that. That tensed me up a little bit, and I lost my way. But I’m glad I found my way back in that fourth, even though I lost it, I think it gave me a big boost for the beginning of the fifth.

“I’m very thankful to be through that one. I never look at myself as the favourite to win any tournament, I look at myself as one of the contenders for sure, but not the favourite, so that releases me a little bit.”

Also on the glass court was Egypt’s World No.3 Tarek Momen, who saw off a strong challenge from India’s Saurav Ghosal to reach the last eight of the El Gouna International.

Momen came out firing in the first game, moving to the front of the court as quickly as possible, and nullifying any attacks that the Indian tried to put together. He won it 11-8, before taking the second in the same vein, 11-7.

At the end of the second game, Ghosal received treatment on a back injury. However, he came back strong in the third, and even had a game ball to take it into a fourth. The Egyptian composed himself though and recovered to take the match in three, winning the third on a tie-break.

“I’ve always played Saurav and never had a 3-0 win against him,” said Momen.

“It was always very tough because we play a very similar game. I knew today that I had to be up for it, and I don’t need to give him any windows of opportunity. It’s hard to do that against a good a player as Saurav, and I thought I did really well to win the first two games.

“In the third, when I saw he had an injury break, I tried so hard not to think about it, and I did really well at the start of the game and didn’t think about his injury. When I got the big lead, I started to relax a bit and thought that it was a shame, it was a good match, and I felt sorry for him.

“I’m really glad that I managed to win the last game in a tie-break because I didn’t want it to go to a fourth because you never know what might happen. I’m very pleased with the win, and I’m looking forward to playing after tomorrow.”

German No.1 Simon Rösner will face Momen in the quarter finals after claiming a 3-0 victory over England’s Adrian Waller.

All seven of their previous matches had gone the way of Rösner and he put in a composed performance in this one to win 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 in just 29 minutes.

New Zealand’s Paul Coll also moved into the quarter finals of the El Gouna International, after he defeated Wales’ Joel Makin at the Squash Complex.

The pair had only met twice on the PSA Tour before this clash, with the Kiwi getting the better of Makin at the Citigold Wealth Management Canary Wharf Classic in March. He did so again in this one, to set up a clash with World No.1 Farag.

In the women’s draw, United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy got her first win over a top eight player since October as she battled to a 3-1 victory against former World No.1 Laura Massaro to earn herself a spot on the glass court in the quarter-finals.

Sobhy was competing against the Englishwoman for the first time since 2016 and had never beaten the World No.8 in five previous matches. But Massaro looked off the pace in the opening two games as Sobhy hit clean lines and dominated the ’T’ to collect an 11-5 victory in game one, before following that up with an 11-6 triumph in the second.

Massaro dug into her mental reserves and came out fighting in the third as the steely 35-year-old stormed into a 7-0 lead. The Englishwoman lost her length though and made a succession of errors to let Sobhy back into the encounter, and the American built up two match balls to put herself on the verge of a straight games win.

Massaro came back to within touching distance, but Sobhy kept her at bay to hold three match balls, and the 25-year-old converted this time around to complete an 11-5, 11-6, 11-13, 11-8 victory in 44 minutes, setting up a clash with Egypt’s World No.3 Nour El Tayeb in the last eight.

“I think it was the refusal to lose [that got me through it] and being able to back myself while having the confidence of being able to scalp the top eight players,” Sobhy said afterwards.

“I saw this as an opportunity, I haven’t played Laura in a number of years, and I wanted to see how I would do up against someone other than Nour El Tayeb or Nour El Sherbini.

“I’m happy with how I regrouped, hung in there and backed myself to win in four. I think playing those matches [against the top players] and learning from those tough losses every time [is key to turning the losses into wins].”

El Tayeb joined husband Farag in the quarter-finals after dispatching fellow Egyptian Salma Hany in straight games.

World No.14 Hany really took the game to El Tayeb at the beginning of the first and second games, and she had the World Championship runner-up on the ropes as she displayed some serious attacking intent.

But El Tayeb grew into the match as she played the big points well and came from behind to win both of the opening two games. She then made short work of the third to book a quarter-final clash with Sobhy. The pair have met eight times on the PSA Tour – with four wins apiece – while their last three matches have gone all the way to five games.

“I think today’s match was tough, first of all it’s Salma, secondly because Ali’s match kept going and going, and he was so nervous, so I got nervous,” said El Tayeb afterwards.

“I think I started the match too tired in the end, not physically, but emotionally because of Ali’s match. But I’m glad that I managed the conditions.

“I didn’t start well in the first two games, but I managed to play well in the end, and I’m very happy with my performance. Salma is a very tough opponent, we practice a lot together, and I’m very happy to be in the next round.”

Defending champion Raneem El Welily saw off the threat of Belgium’s Tinne Gilis to earn her spot in the quarter-finals after an 11-8, 11-8, 11-2 victory on a windy night at El Gouna’s Abu Tig Marina.

World No.1 El Welily beat compatriot Nour El Sherbini to win the inaugural title 12 months ago and was tested at times in the opening two games against Gilis, who was appearing in her first Platinum third round after scalping Egypt’s Mayar Hany and India’s Joshna Chinappa.

Gilis cut the ball into the front well to finish the first two games within three points of the Egyptian, although the third was one-way traffic as El Welily dropped just two points to close out the win.

The 30-year-old will face New Zealand’s Joelle King in the quarter-finals, after she got the better of Egypt’s Mariam Metwally.

The Kiwi got off to a flying start, not letting her opponent get a rhythm going in the first game. She continued that momentum to take the match in three.

Third round action continues tomorrow at El Gouna Squash Complex, with matches starting at 12:00 local time (GMT+2). The glass court action at the Abu Tig Marina will start at 18:30 tomorrow evening.

Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour (excluding Europe and Japan).
 
El Gouna International.

Men’s Third Round (Top Half):
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Diego Elias (PER) 3-2: 11-8, 11-3, 14-16, 6-11, 11-5 (81m)
[7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Joel Makin (WAL) 3-0: 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 (65m)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 (29m)
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 13-11 (45m)

Women’s Third Round (Top Half):
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt Tinne Gilis (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-2 (22m)
[5] Joelle King (NZL) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 12-10, 11-4 (27m)
[13] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [7] Laura Massaro (ENG) 3-1: 11-5, 11-6, 11-13, 11-8 (44m)
[3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [12] Salma Hany (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 11-3 (24m)

Men’s Third Round (Bottom Half) Monday April 22:
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) v Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Cesar Salazar (MEX) v [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Bottom Half) Monday April 22:
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [10] Tesni Evans (WAL)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) v [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)

Men’s Quarter Finals (Top Half) Tuesday April 23:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [7] Paul Coll (NZL)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Women’s Quarter Finals (Top Half) Tuesday April 23:
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v [5] Joelle King (NZL)
[13] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)

Pictures courtesy of PSA  

England Women conceded a try after the full-time hooter had sounded as they lost 7-5 to Canada in the World Rugby Sevens Cup final in Japan.

Amy Wilson-Hardy put England 5-0 up, but Canada kept the ball alive for two minutes after full-time as Ghislaine Landry touched down then converted.

England beat Australia and France to reach their first final in 16 events dating back to April 2016.

USA beat France 36-12 in the bronze final in Kitakyushu.

England climb to seventh in the rankings.

The top four teams qualify automatically for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

England beat Australia 21-7 thanks to tries from Alex Matthews, Helena Rowland and Holly Aitchison.

Aitchison converted an Abigail Brown try to give England a 19-17 victory over France, after tries from Brown and Emma Uren.

For the first time in the World Rugby Sevens Cup's seven-year history, the semi-finals featured neither New Zealand nor Australia.

New Zealand remain ahead of Canada at the top of the rankings having won the first three events of 2018-19.

England, who trail fourth-placed Australia by 19 points, will play an Olympic qualifying event in Russia in July if they are ranked fifth or lower.

Billy Vunipola says being confronted by a Munster fan after Saracens' Champions Cup semi-final win was "quite scary".

The Sarries and England forward, 26, was booed throughout, scored a late try and was named man of the match in the 32-16 win at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

He was warned by his club and the Rugby Football Union this week for defending Israel Folau's social media post in which he said "hell awaits" gay people.

"People say I put my foot in it so I have to deal with it," Vunipola said.

The number eight told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not something I'm afraid of. I probably have to expect that it's going to keep happening.

"It was quite a motivating factor that people were booing me. I wanted to back up my words and show my team-mates that I did not mean to distract them."

The fan who confronted Vunipola was quickly led away by stewards.

European Professional Club Rugby, the tournament organisers, said: "Following the regrettable incident at the Ricoh Arena, the spectator in question is currently being detained by the stadium authorities."

Last week Vunipola was criticised for 'liking' an Instagram post from Australia winger Folau which warned gay people that hell awaited them unless they repented.

Folau later had his contract cancelled by Rugby Australia.

Vunipola defended his views, writing on Instagram: "There just comes a point when you insult what I grew up believing in that you just say enough is enough. Man was made for woman to procreate, that was the goal no?"

Vunipola said after the game on Saturday: "It was probably insensitive, but also something I strongly believe in.

"I'll probably not be as honest as I have been about things that probably hurt a lot of people. I know that now.

"I'm not going to change the happy-go-lucky person I am. My faith is what got me to this position. It's something I'll stick by.

"It's been awesome having friends supporting me, whether they agree with me or not."

Leinster back Noel Reid, Newcastle lock Calum Green and Munster centre Jaco Taute will join Premiership club Leicester at the end of the season.

Reid, 28, who can play at centre or fly-half, won an international cap for Ireland against Argentina in 2014.

Green, 28, came through Leicester's academy and the lock has played 120 games during five seasons at Newcastle, the Premiership's bottom side.

South Africa international Taute, 27, has been with Munster since 2016.

Reid told the Tigers' website: "I'm very excited to be joining a club like Leicester, with its history and success in the game."

Green added: "To have the opportunity to return was too good an opportunity to let go by.

"I know a lot of the players in the squad, coaches and staff and am excited to get back to Welford Road and be called a Tiger once again."

Leicester are 10th in the Premiership but almost safe from relegation - they are eight points ahead of Newcastle with three games left to play.

Israel Folau's future will be decided at a hearing on 4 May after the full-back was sacked by Rugby Australia following a social media post in which he said "hell awaits" gay people.

The 30-year-old requested a code of conduct hearing after his dismissal.

It will be heard behind closed doors in Sydney by a three-member panel.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said Folau, who won 73 caps and was expected to play at this year's World Cup, was unlikely to be selected again.

Folau, who signed a four-year deal with Sydney-based Super Rugby side the Waratahs in March and had a contract with Rugby Australia until 2022, escaped punishment for similar comments last year.

Rugby Australia said he "had committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players' Code of Conduct warranting termination of his employment contract".

The governing body has also set aside Sunday, 5 May if the hearing goes into a second day.

In addition to his rugby union career, Folau has also played professional rugby league and Australian rules football.

Last week, Australian rugby league's governing body ruled out Folau returning to the National Rugby League.

MARIETTA, Ga. – He’s only two races into his ARCA Menards Series tenure with Chad Bryant Racing, but 16-year-old Corey Heim has already discovered that it’s a big step up from the late models he’s used to.

However, he’s taken the adjustment in stride and has several strong finishes to show for his efforts already, with back to back top-five finishes in the first two short-track races of the season.

Heim came home fifth at both Florida’s Five Flags Speedway in March and Salem (Ind.) Speedway in April, one of three ARCA drivers to earn top-five finishes in each of those two events.

Even though he isn’t old enough to run a full season on tour, Heim sits 11th in points on the strength of those two results, just 10 points behind Brad Smith for a position inside the top 10 in the standings.

That’s good news for the Georgia teenager, because he freely admits that he wasn’t fully prepared for everything that a move to ARCA competition entailed when he signed with team owner Chad Bryant back in October.

“I think my move to the ARCA Series was honestly kind of a wake-up call for me, that I need to take things a little bit more seriously now, because I need sponsors and success to be able to continue with my career beyond this point,” Heim told SPEED SPORT. “The (Chad Bryant Racing) crew and I already work really well together, though, even though I’m still learning and developing into these heavier cars.

“It’s been a great and challenging learning experience for me, but I definitely think we’re getting better with each test session and race weekend we go through together.”

Heim raced his way to second in the CARS Super Late Model Tour standings last season, earning one win, three top-five and six top-10 finishes in nine races and coming up just eight points shy of eventual champion Jared Fryar in the final points tally.

However, Heim peaked at the right time, winning the last race of the year at South Boston (Va.) Speedway in November to give himself some much-needed momentum going into his new opportunity.

“The way we ended last year was pretty important,” Heim noted. “I think that win at South Boston was huge for me in terms of confidence, just reminding myself that I can do this on a bigger stage and against some of the competition that we were racing against.”

It doesn’t mean that Heim hasn’t noticed plenty of differences between racing his super late model and racing a 3,400-pound ARCA car, however.

“I think the biggest thing is that it’s for sure a different feel,” Heim said of the heavier ARCA machines. “The weight factor is definitely the biggest thing that I’m getting used to. Other things like aero and steering box feeling are big factors for my learning curve as well. The good thing is that I have great people like Chad and Paul (Andrews, crew chief) helping me develop into who I want to be.

“I have to admit, having only five cars on the lead lap at some points during these races is a little bit odd compared to what I’m used to, as well,” he added with a laugh. “Our hope is obviously to keep building this program, so that hopefully soon I’m the one lapping the top guys instead of fighting to stay on the lead lap.”

Heim has a set goal ahead of him, as he’s contending for this year’s Sioux Chief Short Track Challenge title, a championship within the ARCA national points race meant to allow the younger drivers who can’t race on the bigger speedways an opportunity to still contend against the veterans of the series.

Currently sitting fourth in the Short Track Challenge standings, Heim is confident in his chances going forward and excited to already be in the mix this early in his journey.

“Winning the Short Track Challenge is definitely our goal; taking home that title would definitely look good on my resume if we can pull it off,” Heim noted. “I really want to win a race – or a couple of races – along the way, though. I believe we have the team to do it and I’m excited about some of the tracks that are coming up on the schedule.”

With 10 more races on tap this year, including both dirt miles at Springfield and DuQuoin and the second race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway once he turns 17, Heim is focused on enjoying what’s ahead of him.

“This has been a really exciting start to my time in ARCA and I can’t thank Chad enough for believing in me and giving me a chance,” Heim smiled. “I hope I can continue beyond this year, but I want to enjoy every moment I can while it’s here in front of me.”

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Last year, Joe Graf, Jr. came to Talladega Superspeedway as a raw, untested rookie.

His experience had been gained on the short tracks of the Midwest and the Northeast, and two ARCA Menards Series starts at Nashville and Salem. He had no experience in the draft at Talladega, or any experience on a track longer than a mile for that matter.

“When I arrived at Talladega and got on the track for the first time, it wasn’t anything like I had ever experienced in my life,” Graf said. “It was amazing. I was gleaming ear to ear even after getting out of the car. You have to remember – before that point I had been on mainly short tracks with very big track experience.

“Then I go to Talladega and I was like a kid on Christmas day. Definitely something that will stick with me for a long, long time.”

Graf left Talladega that day the runner-up finisher, but that notation in the record book belies the significance of his efforts.

Graf qualified seventeenth and worked his way towards the front through the 76-lap duel on Talladega’s famous 33-degree banking. By the time the field was in line for a one-lap overtime dash to the checkered, Graf was lined up alongside race leader Zane Smith. Graf received drafting help from Michael Self down the backstretch, but by the time they hit the tri-oval Graf and Smith and broken away and were engaged in a fender-banging duel for the win. When they flashed across the stripe, it was a photo finish, with the computer scoring monitors registering a margin of 0.000, a statistical dead heat.

A review of the video camera at the line showed Smith ahead by just a matter of inches, almost imperceptible to the naked eye at full speed. Graf would be forced to settle for second.

“It still hurts,” Graf said with a chuckle. “It was amazing for our Chad Bryant Racing team to be in that position and avoid all the late race carnage. On that last start, I had a good restart and my spotter (Brian Crammer) was keeping me well aware of what I needed to do. It was five minutes full of exhilaration, excitement and disappointment.

“I hate that we ended up second, but at the end of the day – it’s still cool to be a part of ARCA history.”

Graf returns to Talladega with a full season of ARCA Menards Series experience under his belt. He even evened the score with Smith, winning his own fender-banging duel to the finish at Berlin Raceway in August. After a frustrating run at Daytona, a sister track to Talladega, Graf is ready to return and pick up the final piece of the puzzle from last season.

“We feel very confident that we can come back to Talladega and contend for the win,” he said. “We have the same car we had at Daytona. Chad (Bryant, crew chief and team owner) have been working hard to get our Ford Fusion ready for the race.

“You’d like to think we can come back and duplicate or better our finish from last year – but let’s get real. It’s Talladega. You have to be prepared for anything. For us, we’d love to win. It would be a huge boost for us and help in our hunt to get back in this championship fight.”

Graf’s day at Daytona was ruined by overheating issues, a problem caused when a plastic bag from the grandstands landed on his grille. To raise awareness about the problem’s plastic pollution is causing, Graf and his sponsors will award one lucky fan with a reusable shopping bag filled with $1,000 in cash after Talladega.

“We’re proud of the sweepstakes,” Graf noted. “It’s taken a lot of work by my team and my marketing partner EAT SLEEP RACE. But when you think about it, they are giving away cash money to someone for a good cause. It’s humbling for me to be able to announce the winner and look forward to doing stuff like this in the future.”