LANCASTER, NY —- Despite being faced with adversity while doing double duty at Lancaster Motorplex on Thursday, July 2, A.J. Emms was able to battle to a top-15 finish.

The first opportunity of the season behind the wheel saw Emms set to double duty for Cathy and Paul Townsend, racing both their Asphalt Modified in the Race of Champions ‘Ol Boy Cup 60 and the Sportsman Modified as part of Lancaster Motorplex’s home track program.

Emms started off the afternoon by showing speed in the Asphalt Modified, ending the half-hour practice session for the Race of Champions scored eighth on the board. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure would see Emms forced to miss his qualifying heat and pull off on the opening lap on the feature.

Behind the wheel of the Sportsman, the team worked through the pair of practice sessions in the afternoon to make the car better. He would score an ninth-place finish in his qualifying heat, setting him up to start 17th for the 35-lap feature. Taking the green flag in the ninth row, Emms escaped a couple incidents in the first half of the event without damage, and progressed up the running order. He would cross the finish line with a 12th-place finish.

Shout-out to Cathy and Paul Townsend for the opportunity to race for them.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/ for further updates in regards to future race dates and more.