SCOUTING REPORT: Justin Coulter

OVERVIEW:  A successful open wheel Modified driver, Justin Coulter made the jump full-time into Late Models in 2012.  He was able to pick and choose events to run, easing into the seat of his car, in making the transition from Mods to Late Models.  

WHAT WE KNOW:  Coulter, a second generation driver, will be racing every single weekend in 2013.  No more picking and choosing.  No more taking weekends off.  When Mother Nature cooperates, the #555 will be at a race track somewhere.  The plan is to open the season at Brownstown's Indiana Icebreaker on March 23rd, or possibly Attica's opener the night before.  From there, Coulter will be follow the Michigan Dirt Cup for both the driver's and the series' Sophomore season to dabble in the Late Model ranks.  Armed with a brand new MasterSbilt Gen X powered by a Jay Dickens motor, he'll also hit as many ALMS shows as possible, in addition to running some regular races at Oakshade and Attica.  

WHERE HE'S GOOD:  The likable Leamington, Ontario driver has some nice backing, which always helps, and a solid crew chief in Jason "Cheese" Baltazar.  Coulter improved throughout 2012, especially at Oakshade, showing how important it is to get seat time in a Late Model no matter what your racing history is.  Now, with the new MasterSbilt/Dickens combo, the foundation has been laid for Coulter to get his first Late Model win in 2013.  

WHERE TO IMPROVE:  Coulter is on the right track by aiming for more seat time this season.  The more he races, and the more tracks he races at, the more well-rounded it will make him.  He may not notice it at first - any driver will tell you it can be a trying process to venture out a little - but he'll gradually see a difference in his game, especially at the tracks he's most comfortable at like Attica and Oakshade.

DRIVER'S THOUGHTS:  "This will be our first time to follow a points deal.  We have never committed to any points before, so it'll be all new to us.  I'm really excited to give it a try!"