Mother Nature Washes Out Good Finish for Team Target

HAMPTON, Ga. (October 27, 2003) --- The last thing that Team Target
wanted to see on Sunday was rain.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had her
own agenda.  After completing only 33 laps on Sunday of the Bass Pro
Shops MBNA 500, the red flag flew for rain at Atlanta Motor Speedway and
competition was halted until Monday.

 

While starting the race in 14th position on Sunday, rookie Casey Mears
was off to a blazing start in the MBNA 500.  After being assessed a stop
and go penalty for jumping the start of the race, Mears pushed his
Target Dodge up to 28th position from 40th in only 30 laps.  His car was
running well in clean air and the team looked destined for a top-15
finish.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature intervened and competition was
halted until Monday.  

 

But Monday wasn't "just another day."  As the race resumed, Mears found
that his Target Dodge had major handling problems.  The track conditions
had changed and his car was not reacting well.  While his Team Target
pit crew adjusted on his car during pit stops, Mears continued to work
hard on the track to salvage a solid finish.  When the checkered flag
finally flew, the team finished in a disappointing 28th place.

 

Mears remains in 34th place in the NASCAR Championship points standings.
Ganassi teammates Jamie McMurray and Sterling Marlin finished back to
back in 15th and 16th places.

 

Team Target races at Phoenix International Raceway on November 2.  The
Checker Auto Parts 500 will be broadcast live on NBC television and MRN
radio.