NASCAR WCUP: Tires, handling important to Schrader's success at Rockingham
18 October 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
"Tires are very important at Rockingham, but more than anything you've
got
to have a car that handles really well. If you don't have a car that is
set
up just right, then you can't do anything to conserve your tires. The
track
is just so abrasive that taking only two tires is never an option. Tire
wear
is so bad that after you roll your car through inspection and down to the
starting grid, we would make a four-tire change right then."--Ken
Schrader
* The "M&M's" Pontiac that is racing at Rockingham had to take a few
days to dry out after its last outing. The car finished 16th in the rain
at
Darlington Raceway on September 3. Schrader also had a very successful
qualifying outing in the car, placing the No. 36 "M&M's" Pontiac eighth on
the grid.
* Luck hasn't been on the side of the "M&M's" Pontiac at Talladega Superspeedway. Following last weekend's motor problem, the team recorded only its second DNF for the 2000 season. Their first DNF...Talladega in April when Schrader was caught up in an accident.
Prior to its mechanical woes, the "M&M's" Pontiac was having an outstanding day under the Alabama sun. Schrader easily improved from his 14th starting position and went on to lead five laps during the event. Even though Schrader was seen hanging at the back of the pack late in the race, it was only strategy that kept him there. Once the entire field broke out from three-wide to two-wide racing, the "M&M's" Pontiac rocketed from 27th to 12th in only seven laps.
* Members of the "M&M's" Pit Crew that will compete for the National Pit Crew Championship at North Carolina Speedway on Saturday include Eric Wilson, jack; Rich Macco, front tire changer; Mike Logan, front tire carrier; Josh Gibson, rear tire changer; Tim Enderle, rear tire carrier; Don DeCecco, gas; Ken Church, catch can.
Text Provided By Laura Ehret
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