Good Daytona Run Shortened With Two Laps To Go

Larry Gunselman and the Waterloo Tool Storage/MB Motorsports #63 team entered the “Daytona Dodge Dealer 250” race, Friday, February 16, at Daytona International Speedway, looking for a good run to start the 2001 race season, and succeeded. 

Tuesday’s first round qualifying positioned the #63 Ford Truck in 29^th place (50.55 seconds at 177.950 mph). However, only the top-25 positions were locked-in. With much better weather on Wednesday (bright sunny skies), the team decided at the last minute, to re-qualify, and improved to 50.024 seconds at 179.914 mph, to maintain the 29^th starting position.  

Shortly after the race began, on lap 3 several trucks got together in turn 2. Larry was able to drive the #63 Ford through the wrecked trucks, however, the right front fender was damaged and pushed back close to the tire. During the caution, the crew pulled the fender away from the tire and allowed Larry to move into 14^th position. The damaged fender did not hinder the #63 Ford’s performance and Larry was able to keep the truck in the 14^th spot the majority of the day.

With the race almost over (2 laps to go) and running in 15^th position, a truck spun in turn 3 collecting the Waterloo Tool Storage #63 Ford.

"We had a good day and a strong run," commented Larry Gunselman. "It is always tough when something happens so close to the end of the race. We finished in 18^th place, but could have easily been 14^th if there would have been some way to avoid the spinning truck.”

"This team has worked very hard the past few weeks to show our sponsor Waterloo Tool Storage that we're glad to have them as part of our team," said team owner and crew chief, Mike Mittler. "Since the first of the year, we have built a new truck, successfully tested at Daytona in mid-January, and had a good run today.  We expect better things to come as the year goes on."

The #63 Waterloo Tool Storage Ford will race next on Sunday, March 4, 2001 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The race will be broadcast live at 12:00 (noon) Eastern time on ESPN television and MRN radio.