Team Credits Ifft With High Sammons Finish
CONCORD, NC - It's amazing the difference a week can make.
Famed Winston Cup crew chief David Ifft had never even met Danny Sammons nor
had he ever seen his USAR Hooters Pro Cup Ford Taurus a week before
Saturday's 250 lap event at the Concord Motor Speedway. Yet his involvement
with the team, in the event, produced a lead lap 15th place finish.
In a seven day peroid leading up to the race, Ifft not only met the
17-year-old Sammons and worked on his car but also tested at Concord prior
to the event. "We can get 70% better," said Ifft after the race. "We'll
definitely be better at the season finale at Lakeland."
Ifft's efforts brought a team that had not qualified for the event prior to
Concord at Myrtle Beach, to a respectable finishing car at a very tough race
track. "The other guys have had all season to figure this deal out," laughed
Ifft, "I've had less than a week. I learned a lot about the tires used in
the series and what Danny likes. I'm looking forward to the next race."
It marked the first time in his rookie season that Sammons had finished on
the lead lap in an event. "David's experience made a big difference," said
the high school senior. "The car handled significantly better. It was
driveable the entire race. We got spun out early yet we were still able to
stay on the lead lap. As we get to know each other better, I know our
preformance will improve. I can't wait to get to USA International Speedway
in Lakeland, FL on November 24th."
Ifft will again be on the pit cart calling the shots for the USAR season
finale, a 300 lap event. "Concord was a real tough race track for a rookie,"
added Sammons. "It's a real fast D-shaped track that's like a
roller-coaster. I'm sure my in-experience at the track hurt us some. I liked
the track, but also know I can run much better at Lakeland, a track I've
been to before."
For more information on this young upcoming driver, check out his web-site
at DannySammons.com. The team is seeking major sponsorship for the 2002
season. Contact them at 609-888-3618.
Contact: Jason Wise, (704) 663-7223
or E-Mail: Jwise28@aol.com
- For Immediate Release -
Regan Smith Shows Perseverance Pays Off
USAR ProCup Series Driver Scores Top-15 Finish at Concord Motorsports Park
MOORESVILLE, N.C., (October 29, 2001) - Regan Smith showed this past Saturday night in USAR ProCup Series action at Concord (N.C.) Motorsports Park that perseverance pays off as the 18-year-old rising star brought the No. 28 Lucas Oil/Diamond Cut Jeans Chevrolet Monte Carlo home in 12th place.
"We had a really strong car all night and I am very pleased with our performance," Smith said. "The way our night started I wasn't so sure that we would get a solid finish."
After qualifying the No. 28 Lucas Oil/Diamond Cut Jeans machine in the eighth starting position, Smith was using patience to work his way to the front. On a restart during an early caution, the leaders did not get up to speed and the field bunched up behind them. The result for Smith would be front-end damage that would force him to come to the attention of his crew on pit road.
With repairs made to his car, Smith was forced to restart from the rear, but quickly showed the strength of his entry. During a caution on lap 72, Smith came in for a regularly scheduled pit stop that would set him up for the finish of the 250-lap event.
When the leaders pitted during a caution on lap 94, Smith found himself sitting in fourth place and eyeing the top spot. Smith would get as close as third place during the middle stages of the event before settling into the top five.
With the laps winding down, Smith began to fight a handling condition and during a caution on lap 185, he pitted for an adjustment. Once again at the back of the field, Smith showed the patience and skill of a veteran racer as he rocketed his way through the field. By lap 215, the Mooresville, N.C. resident was running 14th and when the checkered flag waved, Smith had worked his way back up to the 12th position.
"I am very proud of everyone on this team," Smith said. "We brought a new crew chief, Scott Sutherland, on board for these last two races and it is certainly going to pay off. The communication between Scott and myself is very good and he definitely brings depth to this race team."
"I want to thank Lucas Oil, Diamond Cut Jeans and R.L.S. Structures for supporting me in this effort." Smith added. "I can't wait to get to Lakeland for the final race."
The USAR ProCup Series takes a month off before heading back into action for the final championship race of the season Nov. 24 at USA Int'l Speedway in Lakeland, Fla.
Catch Smith battle back from adversity at Concord Motorsports Park on Speedvision, Thursday, Nov. 8 at 9:00 p.m. EST.
To learn more about Regan Smith, visit his website at www.regansmith.com.
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