NASCAR Trucks: Powers Motorsports Dodge: Heartbreak in the Heartland

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 10, 2001

CLAYTON GA (May 9,2001) - Powers Motorsports was excited about unveiling their new paint scheme on the #55 Dodge truck this past weekend at Saint Louis, Gateway International Raceway. “We have painted both trucks the same ”said Tom Powers driver of the #55 TRUCKSERIES.COM truck “We are going to follow this paint scheme for the remainder of the year or until a full time sponsor comes on and then we will paint it to their specs”

The #55 crew has started to jell, and it seems every race we are more prepared than the race before. The Dodge truck passed tech with the new aero package with relative ease. Lap speeds in practice were poor and a gear change beforequalifying helped us pick up a couple of tenths.

The#55 POWERS MOTORSPORTS/TRUCKSERIES.COM started 33rd and finished 33rd 22 laps into the race. “It never would come off turn two” said Tom “and eachl ap I could feel it getting weaker and weaker. It finally dropped a cylinder so we parked it rather than risk further engine damage”

“We struggled all weekend with horsepower and engine problems,” stated Mike Hammerly, acting crew chief on the #55.”The engine is out and on its way to the engine shop to prepare it for Darlington”

Darlington is the 6th race in theNASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule and the fifth race the POWERSMOTORSPORTS/TRUCKSERIES.COM Dodge truck will attempt to qualify for.

The green flag drops in Darlington on Saturday May 12th at 4 PM. It will be the only NASCAR event this weekend in honor of Mothers Day.

Text provided by Richard J Weber

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.