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NASCAR Trucks: Danny Morelock makes second try at the truck series

28 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Second Time Around: Donny Morelock will be making his second try at his second start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday in the Diehard 200. Morelock, driving a second entry for Bobby Hamilton Racing, will be looking for better fortunes this week after failing to make the field at Watkins Glen.

Morelock has had a painful start to his Craftsman Truck Series career. In his first race, as teammate to Joe Ruttman and the No. 18 Bobby Hamilton Dana Dodge, he completed only two laps. A crash started by another truck eliminated Morelock after only two laps at Monroe.

Last week, it was a broken shock mount and an engine failure during practice that left the team with no practice time. This ultimately forced the team to miss the race.

"We've had some unbelievable luck these first two races," said Morelock. "If you would have told me this was the way I would get started, I would have told you that you were crazy. We're not going to give up though. This team and myself are here to stay. We just need to get a good run in and everything will be just fine."

New Consultant: Veteran mechanic Eddie Jones will be joining the Bobby Hamilton Racing No. 4 Dodge team for the remainder of the year. Jones has been in racing for the better part of 30 years and last year, served as the crew chief for the No. 18 Dana Dodge that Joe Ruttman drives. Jones will be at the track each week to give guidance and a knowledge basis that will help the No. 4 team grow and improve.

"Having Eddie come on board with us is a great deal," said Morelock. "James (crew chief) and myself have a great relationship and we are going to do some really good things together. We both agree that if we can gain from Eddie Jones helping us, we'd be stupid not to take advantage of the situation."

Rookie Race: Donny Morelock has entered the race for Rookie of the Year. Morelock is currently in the 13th place in the Rookie points.

"We know there is no chance of us winning, but the program offers us the opportunity to be eligible for a cash prize at the end of the year, so it's something we really need to do."

Move'n on Up: Donny Morelock began his Craftsman Truck Series career in Monroe, Washington and after his first race, he was 80th in the points standings. Because the Craftsman Truck Series awards points based on attempting to qualify, Morelock received 58 points last week in Watkins Glen. The result moved Morelock into the 71st place in the points standings.

"My goal is to finish in the top 30 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points standings," said Morelock. "Most of the guys in front of us don't run on a regular basis so we should have a good chance at the top 30 if we can just get a good run in."

Text provided by David Pepper

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