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NASCAR Trucks: Norick Ready for Season Turn Around at Heartland Park Topeka

21 August 1998

TOPEKA, KS - Lance Norick and the NHL Dodge team want their trip to Heartland Park Topeka to be the turning point in what has been a disappointing season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

` "To say this has been a disappointing season for us is an understatement," said Norick, driver of the #90 NHL Dodge. "We have only scored two top-twenty finishes despite running in the top-ten in several races and leading twice. Little things keep biting us - we can't seem to shake the bad luck. This NHL Dodge team is so focused on preparation and performance, it gets frustrating when things happen that are out of your control. We don't let it get us down.

"We go back to the shop after each race and analyze how the race weekend unfolded," explained Norick. "Then shift into high gear to get prepared for the next race. The crew has worked hard on pit stops and has performed as well as anyone out there since the format changed. It's all there, we just need for everything to fall in place and we will be in position for the win.

"I enjoy roadracing," he concluded. "I started my four-wheel racing career in roadracing classes and feel it is my strong point as a driver. We'll just keep digging and will get the payoff. Topeka could be just the place for us to turn this season around."

The Lund Look 275K is the 18th race of the 27 event 1998 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. Competition will open on Friday, August 21 with an optional testing day.

Bud Pole qualifying for the event is scheduled for Saturday, August 20 at 12:15 p.m. (CT). The race will begin at 1:00 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, August 23 and will be televised live by TNN. NASCAR Truck Network will broadcast the race to over 400 radio station affiliates nationwide.