Robbie Loomis Wins IRWIN Crew Chief of the Week Award

 
> VERNON HILLS, Ill., September 19, 2002 - The rain was persistent at Sunday> '> s New Hampshire 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway, and so was the No 24 DuPont Chevrolet of Jeff Gordon.  As a result of the team> '> s solid effort in the pits, team crew chief Robbie Loomis takes home this week> '> s IRWIN > "> Rough to the Finish> ">  Award.
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After rain delays totaling nearly three hours, Jeff Gordon started Sunday's race in 21st position, running consistently between 18th and 22nd for nearly the entire race.  With weather threatening late in the day, crew chief Robbie Loomis called for a two tire change on the final green flag pit stop in hopes of gaining some track position.  With a steady rain coming down and darkness looming, Gordon was able to take advantage of Loomis' strategy and move up to 14th position before NASCAR concluded the event 93 laps shy of its scheduled distance. 
	
"With the consistent rain and long delays, we just couldn't get a handle on the race car," said Loomis.  "We knew that we would have to pull off a great pit strategy in order to get home with a strong finish, and these guys on the No. 24 pit crew really dug deep to make that happen.  They deserve all the credit."

Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, IRWIN, makers of professional power tool accessories like MARATHON saw blades and SPEEDBOR flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief that had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish.

> "> IRWIN is proud to honor the hard-working crew chiefs of NASCAR Winston Cup Racing with this award,> ">  said David Pirkle of IRWIN.  > "> Much like our line of bits and blades optimize a power tool> '> s performance, these professionals have had to perform in all types of conditions, with many surprises and under intense pressure.  Through the course of the race the selected crew has been able to optimize their car> '> s performance.> "> 
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> The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team> '> s name.  The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.  Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338.
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> In addition to the crew chief award, IRWIN is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, > "> Fast Talk with Benny Parsons> "> , throughout the 2002 season.  
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> "> Working with Benny Parsons and the PRN family is a natural fit for the IRWIN bits and blades line,> ">  said Pirkle.  > "> The NASCAR fan-base is a hands-on group of people that are driven to do it themselves, if they can.  IRWIN bits and blades are engineered to last long and provide precise cuts that will help professionals and DIYers do their best work.> "> 
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> IRWIN offers a complete line of saw blades and drill bits. From framing to the finest trim work; the performance of your bit and/or blade can be the difference between a long, hard day or one that runs smooth and easy.  IRWIN specializes in the engineering and the manufacturing of these high performance bits and blades.  Each is engineered to last, to deliver precision cuts and to optimize the output of your power tool.  IRWIN drill bits includes SPEEDBOR wood boring bits, TURBOMAX drill bits, UNI-BIT step drill bits, and the unique IRWIN multi-purpose drill bits that penetrate various materials such as brick, marble, plastic, metal, cement and wood.  A complete list of IRWIN products and capabilities is online at > www.irwintool.com.
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