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NASCAR-WCUP: Lepage Records Career Best Finish for L J Racing in Atlanta

10 March 1998

ATLANTA, GA - One look into the eyes of L J Racing team owners Joe and Shirley Falk following the Primestar 500 was all it took to know their feelings. Their rookie driver, Kevin Lepage, had just recorded the best finish ever for L J Racing, 14th. After struggling as a first year team in 1997, Joe and Shirley were beginning to see some of the rewards of their hard work. Their # 91 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has been competitive all season and their driver has started to make a name for himself. Without a major sponsor and a small racing crew, the team has been built with hard work and dedication. On Monday, the team left Atlanta Motor Speedway with a big smile on their faces and feeling of accomplishment.

After sitting through three straight days of rain, the clouds finally broke and the Primestar 500 got under way just before noon on Monday. Lepage immediately began to move up from his 34th place starting spot. By lap 100, Lepage had established himself as having a top-twenty car. With the best pit stops of the year being made over the second half of the race, Lepage continued to climb up the leader board, passing many big name race car drivers and teams. Lepage, running in 11th place, made a final pit stop for right side tires with under 20 laps remaining. Lepage raced hard over the last few laps, and finished in the 14th position.

"We had a great race car today," Lepage said. "I am so proud of the work done by every single member of the race team, they never gave up and here we are, the third highest finishing Chevrolet in the race, this is great!"

The L J Racing Team picked up sponsorship from First Union and Coors Light for the race. With the strong performance by Lepage, The Falk's will continue their search for a major sponsor for the remainder of the season. The resume continues to grow for L J Racing, all that is missing is a major sponsor.

The Winston Cup Series will be idle this weekend before returning to action March 22nd at Darlington Raceway.