Luck Runs Short for Waterloo Tool Storage Team in Orleans 250
The optional test day and practice sessions leading up to the “Orleans 350”
NASCAR Craftsman Truck race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway were very productive,
with faster speeds each time on the track. Progress was also being made
during the first half of the race, until a broken lifter and pushrod sidelined
the #63 Ford Truck on lap 59.
"We had a very good open practice on Friday," commented owner and crew chief
Mike Mittler. "We learned some things the driver and truck liked and did not
like. Our lap speeds got better as the day went along and continued into the
Saturday practice sessions. We ran good here in '98 and '99", which was the
last time the trucks were here. Hopefully, this Las Vegas track will share some
luck with us this weekend."
Larry Gunselman, driver of the #63 Ford, found an additional 2/10ths
of a second in qualifying, and started the race in the 24th position
with a time of 34.810 (155.128 mph).
"We had been fighting a tight truck in the center of the corners during practice,"
stated Larry. "The truck freed up just enough in qualifying to run a better
lap than we had practiced. We made a lot of progress this weekend. Chassis specialist
Gary Showalter helped us with some fine-tuning things that allowed us to go
faster every time on the track. The truck felt real good on the qualifying lap."
A few additional changes to the truck helped Larry pilot the #63 Ford to even
faster speeds during “happy hour”, finishing 16 fastest with a speed of 155.481
mph.
The Waterloo Tool Storage Ford started in the 24th position, but
was still tight in the corners. On lap 15, during a caution, the crew made a
wedge adjustment on the right rear, which helped Larry pass several trucks and
move into 22nd place within a few laps. On lap 59, however, the engine
developed a miss and was brought behind the pit wall, only to find a broken
lifter and pushrod. The #63 Ford finished 33rd .
"We had a fast truck with a new engine this weekend," Larry said. "I guess
our luck just ran out. There was no warning. We were running our race, staying
out of trouble, and making progress toward the front, when the engine started
missing."
The Waterloo Tool Storage team will run the final race of the season at California
Speedway on Saturday, November 3, 2001. The race will be broadcast live on ESPN
television and MRN radio starting at 1:30 PM (Pacific time).
|
