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NASCAR: Nadeau Accomplishes Goals at Las Vegas

9 March 1999

LAS VEGAS -- Jerry Nadeau checked off three out of the four items on his "to do list" this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Qualify well for the NASCAR Winston West Orleans 150 Not only did Nadeau qualify well, he took the pole starting position in his first NASCAR Winston West Series event. He qualified the No. 9 Melling Engine Parts Ford at a speed of 166.246 mph, more than one mile per hour faster than his closest competitor.

Race well in the Orleans 150

Nadeau started first and finished first in the 100-lap race. He lead for most of the race, dropping back only when a flat tire caused him to make an unscheduled pit stop.

Qualify for the NASCAR Winston Cup Las Vegas 400

In 1998, Nadeau was unable to qualify for the Las Vegas 400, so his primary goal for this weekend was to make the show. He did with ease, posting the eighth-fastest time in qualifying.

Finish well in the Las Vegas 400

Nadeau finished 31st in his No. 9 WCW/NWO Ford, after suffering engine problems with less than 20 laps remaining.

"We took care of most of our goals," said the Danbury, Conn., native. "The week was great for us. We did really well and learned a lot in the Winston West race -- just like we had planned. It was great to be back in victory lane again.

"The team worked really hard all day Sunday to keep making the car better. Our finish was a little disappointing after such a great weekend, but we know we had a good car Lady Luck just changed her mind about us. But I'm looking to check off that last 'to do' with a top finish next week at Atlanta."

Nadeau completed 249 of 267 laps and won $50,800 in the race. He is currently in 22nd in the NASCAR Winston Cup points standings. The series' next event is the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.