Matt Brabham’s asphalt Late Model debut at Tri County Speedway in North Carolina was cut short with an electrical issue whilst he was running solidly inside the top five.

The electrical gremlin struck the 21-year-old’s David Gilliland Racing #83 late in the race whilst he was embroiled in a battle for fourth, fifth and sixth.

For the entire 125-lap race, Brabham ran inside the top 10 - improving lap by lap as he became more confident in the Limited Late Model - which is dramatically different to the last racecar that he drove - an Andretti Autosport Honda-powered IndyCar.

In qualifying for the race - which doubled as a round of the South East Limited Late Model Series - Brabham ended his run against the clock in fifth position of the 17 car field.

Earlier, he was fourth in opening practice.

All in all, Brabham felt the experience gained throughout the course of the race was invaluable - remarking that the learning curve for him was almost vertical. He was grateful for the opportunity extended to him by the NASCAR star.

QUOTEBOARD - Matt Brabham:

“It was really close tough, racing out there, running by yourself does not prepare for the race,” explained Brabham.

“I learned a lot and was happy with how I was going - we were pushing towards a top five finish, which I was quite impressed with as the guys I was racing against run these cars regularly.

“If I have the chance to do another race I will be much more prepared for the racing side. I have to say it was so much fun - I had an awesome time this weekend with the David Gilliland Racing team and I have to give a big thank-you to everyone on the team for helping me so much