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NASCAR-BGN: Atwood Shines in LYSOL Chevrolet Despite Accident

20 October 1998

MADISON, ILL. (Oct. 19, 1998) - Casey Atwood, driver of the LYSOL Chevrolet, finished 30th in Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series CarQuest Auto Parts 250 at Gateway International Raceway.

Atwood complained that the car was a little tight at the beginning of the race and fell back to the 14th position. As the runs became longer, the LYSOL Chevrolet became faster. The LYSOL Chevrolet was the fastest car on the track for 20 laps and climbed back up to the seventh position. On lap 79 the team was forced to make a green flag pit stop, which caused Atwood to go one lap down and fall back to 26th place.

Atwood quickly climbed back into the top 20, but was hit coming out of turn two. The LYSOL Chevrolet spun down the backstretch but did not make contact with anything. Another green flag pit stop was necessary to change all four tires and put the roof flap down. Returning to the track three laps down, Atwood no longer had a chance for a top-10 finish.

"Today was disappointing but not a setback for us," said Jeff Hensley, team owner and crew chief. "Our cars are running better and Casey has done a great job. We still have three races left, and we are testing in Atlanta this week. There is no time to dwell on the past, we have to move on and prepare for the remaining races. If determination is a sign of what's to come, success is ours."

Atwood qualified ninth, a season-best for Hensley Racing, and anticipated a top-10 finish. Prior to the race Atwood said: "This is one of the best cars I have run with all year. I know this car is good enough to finish in the top 10. As long as I can steer clear from trouble, there should be nothing to hold us back."

The Busch Series will next race at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 31.