Sterling Marlin finishes 13th at the Monster Mile

DOVER, Del. (September 21, 2003) --- Sterling Marlin and the Coors Light
Crew overcame weather, a tight car and new racing rules to finish 13th
in the MBNA America 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday.

 

Marlin started the race 17th after qualifying was canceled due to
Hurricane Isabel.  By race time on Sunday, the weather was beautiful and
Marlin and the Coors Light Dodge were ready to race.  Marlin worked his
way through the field and by lap 47 was running in the 12th position
when he reported that the car was tight.  

 

Marlin was able to stay up in the front of the field and when the yellow
flag came out on lap 80 he brought the Coors Light Dodge onto pit road
for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment. During the 25 lap
caution period, while the track was being cleaned, Marlin reported that
the car seemed to be doing better and when the race restarted he was
running in the 15th position. 

 

The car continued to be tight off and on all day long despite the
efforts of the Coors Light crew to make adjustments during pit stops.
Although the car was tight, Marlin was able to run in the front of the
field for the remainder of the race eventually finishing in the 13th
position.

 

"We were just too tight," Marlin said.  "The car was too tight in the
center all day today.  One time we got it about right, but other than
that it was just too tight in the center.  Other than that we had a
solid run today.  We stayed consistent all day and we were able to run
well for the entire race."

 

Marlin maintained his 17th place in the Winston Cup championship points.
Ganassi teammates Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears finished 6th and 36th
respectively.

 

The Coors Light team races at Talladega Superspeedway next weekend.  The
race will be broadcast live on NBC television and MRN radio on Sunday,
September 28th.