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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Loadhandler 200 Preview -- #24, Jack Sprague

19 June 1997

 #24 Jack Sprague, Quaker State Chevrolet
 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
 Loadhandler 200 Advance
 Bristol Motor Speedway
 
            SPRAGUE: SHORT TRACKS IS KEY TO CHAMPIONSHIP RUN 

 
BRISTOL, TN - Jack Sprague, driver of the Quaker State 4 X 4 Motor Oil 
Chevrolet truck is determined to prove his driving skills are not limited to 
the larger tracks on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. If he is going to be 
a finalist for the Craftsman championship, he must have a win or two on the 
smaller tracks.

A win at Bristol can give Sprague momentum towards his run for the 1997 
championship.

"We need a top-five finish at Bristol," said Sprague. "I don't want to put 
any pressure on the team, but we need a good run to be in the hunt at the end 
of the season."

Sprague's determination and desire to win are obvious. A tough competitor 
often compared to a young Dale Earnhardt, Sprague pushes himself to be a 
winner on the Craftsman truck seres. When he wins, you can feel the 
excitement, when he loses, his frustration is shared with those around him.

Last year at Bristol, Sprague finished fifth and the Quaker State team's 
early season consistency vaulted Sprague into third place in the Craftsman 
point standings and second in money earned behind Mike Skinner. The Bristol 
race put Sprague in the top of competition in the Craftsman series and now 
Sprague wants the championship.

Currently, Sprague is in second place for the Craftsman point standings 
behind Rich Bickle. He won at Phoenix on April 20 in the Desert Star Classic, 
his third consecutive win at Phoenix International Raceway. He has two 
second-place finishes and six top-ten finishes. 

His strongest run on a short track this season was at the Evergreen Speedway 
in the NAPACARD 200 on May 10, where the #24 Quaker State Chevy finished 
second after qualifying fourth. Sprague finished fourth at Portland on the 
1/2-mile track as well.

This race at Bristol is only one of the 26 events this season, but if you 
talk to Jack Sprague you get the feeling its more than one race for the 
Quaker State team; it's the opportunity for Jack to show his short-track 
driving abilities and get into position to win the 1997 Craftsman 
championship.

By: Muhleman Marketing