NASCAR BGN Series ACDelco 200 Report: #88, Kevin Schwantz
29 October 1997
#88 Kevin Schwantz, Ryder Driver Recruiting Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division ACDelco 200 Race Report North Carolina Motor Speedway October 25, 1997 SCHWANTZ ENDS FIRST TRIP TO THE ROCK EARLY ROCKINGHAM, NC - Kevin Schwantz, driving the #88 Ryder Driver Recruiting Chevrolet Monte Carlo, had a rough weekend at the North Carolina Motor Speedway, better known as "The Rock." Schwantz battled a loose handling car during the first practice session on Friday morning, ending up in the wall coming out of Turn 2. The crew made the necessary repairs in time for Schwantz to take his two laps of qualifying, allowing him to take a provisional starting position for the NASCAR Busch Grand National ACDelco 200. "The crew did a great job putting the car back together for me," stated Schwantz afterwards. "I know it's hard on them, my being a rookie, but they always pull together and get the job done. I'm really proud of them." After starting in 39th position, Schwantz was running in 35th on the restart after the third of eight caution periods. Just as the field was settling down, Schwantz and Lyndon Amick tangled bringing out the caution flag again. Schwantz ended the day in 38th place. "This sure isn't the way I wanted to leave Rockingham," said Schwantz. "I'm disappointed for the crew. They never gave up all weekend. We are going to test in Homestead on Tuesday, so we will have some experience at the newly reconfigured track. This team won at Homestead last year, so I know they are expecting a lot out of me and themselves." Mark Martin lead four of the six Winston Cup drivers across the finish line to take the top four spots. Dick Trickle, Ricky Craven and Jeff Burton all followed behind Martin to take the second, third and fourth places respectively. Mark Martin's win moved him ahead of Jack Ingram as the winningest driver in the NASCAR BGN series. Randy LaJoie wrapped up the 1997 BGN Championship after Todd Bodine was involved in an accident on lap 155, ending his day in 34th place. LaJoie's 20th place finish gave him enough points to win his second championship in as many years. By Ridling Motorsports Public Relations