Regan Smith Gains Valuable Experience at Phoenix

Regan Smith, in his third NASCAR start, gained valuable experience at Phoenix International Raceway this past weekend driving the #63 Diamond Cut Jeans Ford Truck.  During both practice sessions Regan was only 5/10^th second off the leader, but the competition was tight and he was 21^st & 19^th fastest of 42 trucks. Regan maintained his good qualifying reputation by putting the #63 Ford in the 12^th starting spot, just 3/10ths second off the pole position, at 28.368 seconds (126.904 mph).

"Our practice sessions went pretty good," commented Regan. "I knew we could pick it up in qualifying and was satisfied with 12^th, especially for my first time on the Phoenix track.”

Regan ran with the leaders for the first 25 laps, but spun coming off turn two, which put him down a lap. He continued to run lap times equal to the leaders but in 22^nd position. On lap 117 however, the engine lost a cylinder and prematurely shortened the day.

"At the start of the race and after the tires got to operating pressure, we were a tick tight in traffic," continued Regan. "On lap 25 or 26 I was in clean air with no one in front of us. When I came off turn two the backend just came around. Other drivers had warned me about that, but now I know what it is like. Fortunately, we did not hit anything or another truck and was able to get fresh tires and continue. About 30 laps from the end we lost a cylinder and had to parked the truck."

"I can't thank Mike Mittler and the MB Motorsports team enough for the opportunity to drive the #63 Truck," stated Regan. "I've learned so much in the two truck races (South Boston & Phoenix)."

MB Motorsports is actively seeking marketing partners for the 2003 season. MB Motorsports has participated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since the series began in 1995. Contact MB Motorsports (800-467-2464 or email bpolitsch@mbracing.net) for motorsports marketing information and opportunities.