NASCAR: Hillenburg posts fastest 'non-drafting' speed at Daytona
17 January 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Text Provided by Bruce Brownlee
(Daytona Beach, FL)-- For the second time in two weeks, the #91 LJ Racing Chevrolet posted the fastest non-drafting speed at Daytona International Speedway.
Clocking in at 185.391 MPH, (48.546 seconds), Andy Hillenburg proved that last week's test session, where he was also first, was no fluke. Owner Joe Falk from Chesapeake, VA was ecstatic. "We've worked all winter building this 2000 Monte Carlo and preparing for this race. It's a make or break deal for us, we have to be in the Daytona 500. We are talking to several potential sponsors, and they are paying attention to what we can do on the track."
Late in Monday's test session, the Chevrolet of Sterling Marlin, and the Pontiac of Ward Burton got together and drafted, putting the #22 (Ward Burton) at the top of the official NASCAR Practice Results sheet. However, the #91 is there in 2nd place, the fastest Chevrolet at the mandatory GM test, and without any drafting help.
"NASCAR came over and took our restrictor plate, and declared it legal," continued the tired but grinning team owner. "Andy knows his way around this place, and we've given him the equipment to get the job done!"
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