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NASCAR BGN Advance Auto Parts 250 Race Report -- #99, Glenn Allen

16 July 1997

 #99 Glenn Allen, Luxaire Chevrolet Monte Carlo
 NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division
 Advance Auto Parts 250 Advance
 Myrtle Beach Speedway

         ALLEN DRIVES LUXAIRE CAR TO THE FRONT, FINISHES 7TH

 
MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Glenn Allen and The Luxaire Racing Team were hitting on 
all eight cylinders Saturday night in The Advance Auto 250. Allen raced hard 
for positions throughout the night, even climbing into the 2nd position with 
under 50 laps to go.

Allen qualified the #99 Chevrolet in the 13th position Friday afternoon after 
a rainstorm hit halfway into the qualifying session. Allen qualified after 
the rainstorm on a much slower track. His time was the 3rd fastest time 
posted following the rain.

As nightfall hit the beach on Saturday evening, Allen climbed into the 
Luxaire Chevrolet for a 250 lap war. Going into the race Allen knew he would 
have a strong race car. With new crew chief John Monsom on board, the 
communication level between driver and team has been stepped up a notch. 
Monsom and the team had worked extra hard all weekend to get the car dialed 
in for the evening's race.

Using a strategy of pitting early, Allen was able to improve his track 
position and keep the Luxaire Chevrolet inside the top-ten for the majority 
of the final 150 laps. With 50 laps to go Allen held onto the 2nd position 
but he knew it would be a struggle to stay there. Most of the other cars 
behind him had fresher tires and would be pressing him hard. Allen fought 
with eventual winner Elliott Sadler and Randy Lajoie among others to hold 
position. Over the last 25 laps Allen held off the charge of Jeff Purvis to 
claim the 7th position.

"We were really strong tonight, John Monsom and the guys gave me a great car 
and we kept it up front all night long," Allen said. "I really feel like we 
are getting ready to go on a roll here with John's knowledge and the hard 
work of the guys.

"The past two weeks have been really good ones for us," Allen said. "So much 
of the credit has to go to the whole team and a renewed feeling of confidence 
John has given us. I am really looking forward to working with John the rest 
of the year."

Elliott Sadler held off Mike McLaughlin and Randy Lajoie to claim the 
victory. The race ended under caution, the 6th of the night. The average 
speed of the event 81.149 mph on the newly repaved speedway.

The Busch Series takes a week off before heading to St. Louis for the first 
Busch race at Gateway International Raceway.

By J&J Racing Public Relations