NCTS: Butch Miller and DANA Team to Capitalize on Teamwork
29 July 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DANA TEAM CAPITALIZING ON TEAMWORK - BUTCH MILLER POISED TO BREAK INTO TOP-TEN IN NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES POINTS INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Teamwork is the trademark of the DANA Dodge team. It is the key ingredient for the recent success of Butch Miller, crew chief Mike Cheek and the DANA Dodge team. Entering this week's Cummins 200 by Dodge at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Miller and Cheek are determined to continue their successful pairing with another solid performance that will move them into the top-ten in NCTS points. Following the reuniting of Miller with Cheek last month, the veteran driver has posted three top-ten finishes and moved from 14th to 11th in the point standings, just three points behind tenth place. Miller and Cheek previously worked together in 1996 and '97 in the series. "Mike and I have always had a chemistry that has worked," remarked Miller, driver of the #18 DANA Dodge. "Maybe it's our combined years of experience in the sport, but we have developed the ability to communicate and an understanding of one another. That's so important in a series as competitive as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. You have to take advantage of every opportunity available. I knew this DANA/L & R Motorsports Dodge team was solid. We have a great foundation and the ability to get to the front of the field. Adding Mike back to the mix is just what the doctor ordered and it is paying off for us. "IRP is a good track for Dodge," Miller said. "They almost got the win last year with Hensley. I have ran well there in all three NCTS races. This year, we want to be the Dodge team that takes the race sponsor to victory lane." Cheek agrees with Miller's assessment of their recent success and their chances for a win at IRP. "Butch is a great driver," commented Cheek. "His years of experience have given him the ability to quickly adjust to the track and determine what set up we need under the truck. He can communicate that to me and we don't need to spend much time trying to get the right combination. Our last several races have been rewarding for the whole DANA Dodge team. Now we are ready to head for the winner's circle. With Dodge being the title sponsor at IRP, it would be the perfect place to go to victory lane." The Cummins 200 by Dodge is set for 7:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 30. Bud Pole qualifying will be Thursday following NASCAR Busch Grand National Series time trials.. Live television coverage of the race will be provided by ESPN. NASCAR Truck Network will broadcast the event to over 400 radio affiliates nationwide. # # #