NASCAR-CTS: Norick Knows Way Around California Speedway
16 July 1998
FONTANA, CA - Lance Norick knows his way around California Speedway. Last year the driver of the #90 NHL Dodge qualified third for THE NO FEAR CHALLENGE, his best-ever starting position in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition. Norick is ready to better that effort when he and the NHL team return to the state-of-the-art facility on July 17-18, 1998.We had a fast truck last year, said Norick. Right off the truck we ran in the top-ten in all of the practice sessions. The qualifying run was a huge morale booster for the entire team. We had a great race going but had a mechanical problem that put us a lap down. It was disappointing for the whole team because we were in position to get our best finish, maybe even our first win.
With the improvements we have made to our speedway program, continued Norick. We feel this year we are on-course to start up front and stay there all day. The track is really a kick to drive. It is smooth, fast and wide. Tire wear isnt a concern whatsoever. You just get to run flat-out. I can hardly wait to get back there.
Lance and the entire crew are psyched to return to California, said Mike Cheek, crew chief for the NHL Dodge. Last year it looked like things were going our way after we qualified so well, but we didnt have the results in the race we had hoped. We really feel confident about the set-up on the truck and like our chances for a solid qualifying run and a good race. We would like to be the team that puts Dodge back in victory lane. We are going to give it our best effort in California.
THE NO FEAR CHALLENGE is the 12th race of the 27 race 1998 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. Bud Pole qualifying will be Friday, July 17 at 3:30 p.m. PDT. The race will start at 1:00 p.m. PDT with live television coverage on ESPN. NASCAR Truck Network will broadcast the race to over 400 radio station affiliates nationwide.
