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NASCAR BGN: Roper disappointed with poor finish at Pikes Peak

25 July 1999

Tony Roper, driver of the No. 61 IWX Motor Freight Pontiac, had a disappointing 40th-place finish in Saturdays NAPA Auto Care 250 NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division race at the Pikes Peak (Colo.) International Raceway. Engine woes resulted in the finish.

"This is very disappointing," said Roper. "Its disappointing in that we have had a terrible finish and also disappointing in that we dont really know yet what the problem was. I had such a good feeling about today."

The engine lost power early in the race. The team brought the car into the pits and inspected the engine. After changing the carburetor, spark plugs and spark plug wires the engine still had limited power. A visual inspection showed nothing wrong with the components, but still the car had limited power. After completing 74 laps, the decision was made to park the car to avoid further damage.

Andy Santerre scored his career-first NASCAR Busch Series victory at Pikes Peak. He was followed by Tim Fedewa, Todd Bodine, Jeff Green and Jeff Purvis.

The NASCAR Busch Series moves to he Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. for the Carquest Auto Parts 250 on Saturday night.

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