19-Year-Old Allgaier Completes First NCTS Event

SPRINGFIELD, IL (June 27, 2005) – Nineteen-year-old Justin Allgaier can now add a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start to his résumé. The Riverton, IL, native qualified 34th for Friday’s “Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200” at the Milwaukee Mile. Allgaier showed patience as his steadily worked his way into the Top-25 several times on the flat, one-mile oval and avoided any melees en route to his first NCTS career finish – a respectable 26th place.

“I really needed this today after just missing out on making the show at our home track (Gateway International Raceway),” said the driver of the #63 MB Motorsports Ford. “I have been waiting to prove that I am not trying to be a hero out here and drive over my head and I hope that I showed that. I know I still have a lot to learn and will make some mistakes but I knew everyone was watching me since to see how I handle the pressure since it was my first race. I tried to stay out of the way and just get used to racing with these guys – it’s a totally different experience than testing or qualifying which is all that I have done until now.”

Allgaier started the event in the 34th position and was running as high as 24th before completing a green flag pit stop on lap 81. Justin returned to the field in 33rd position and moved into 28th within twenty laps. There was only one caution in the 200-lap event when Johnny Benson went for a spin with 58 circuits to go. After a series of pit stops under caution, the #63 was riding in 25th place and settled in behind the likes of Martin Truex, Jr., Ricky Craven, Timothy Peters, Chris Wimmer and Chris Fontaine to cross the stripe in 26th for his first NASCAR career event. Short-track powerhouse Dennis Setzer dominated the event by lapping all but three other trucks – Jack Sprague, Ted Musgrave and Ron Hornaday, Jr.

“I am very happy that we brought our MB Motorsports Ford home without a bruise on it and we were able to get a decent finish. There is always room for improvement but to qualify for my first truck race, stay out of the way of the leaders and get a chance to work with Mike [Mittler] and the crew, it was a good learning experience. And to be able to just be on the track with these guys I respect so much, it was an honor,” stated a spry Allgaier following the 200-lap event. “It’s a relief to finally get this one under my belt and there are better days still to come for the MB Motorsports team. Everyone did an awesome job – we are very pleased.”

The #63 MB Motorsports team is sponsored by Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool; Dave Porter Truck Sales; LubriLoy; Ford Racing Performance Parts; ENERPAC; Tanner Racing Products by MB; TRASHMAN; Russo’s Tinting; Childs Tire; Advanced Sign; U.S. Air Force; Ownersite.com and f150online.com.