TrackSideLive!
| O'Reilly 200
Memphis Motorsports Park | July 27, 2005
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Good morning from a hot and steamy Memphis
07-23-2005 9:01 am
Good morning from a hot and steamy Memphis Motorsports Park. It is going to be an absolute scorcher here this afternoon as temps have already reached the low 90s and will steadily climb into the 100s here throughout the day. The weatherman says it's going to reach almost 110 degees here with a heat index of over 120, and while afternoon thunderstorms are always a possibility when it is this warm and muggy, there is little chance of rain here this afternoon. We'll have all the news for you throughout practice and qualifying as we lead up to tonight's O'Reilly Auto Parts 200, so keep it locked on to TruckSeries.com.
Reutimann wins All-Star Race at MMP Dirt Track
07-23-2005 9:07 am
David Reutimann was able to hold off all challengers in last night's 15-lap All-Star Race here at the Memphis Motorsports Park quarter-mile dirt track. The event featured NCTS personalities, Johnny Benson, Bobby Hamilton, Tracy Hines, Timothy Peters, and Ray Dunlap, all of whom competed in cars provided by local competitors in the open wheel modified division.
“I was able to hold off Johnny Benson,” said Reutimann. “When we started the race Bobby Hamilton just took off. The car worked really well and I was able to get by him and hold the rest of the field off. We had a lot of fun. I’m thankful to the owners and drivers for giving up their cars for us to race."
The drivers razzed Dunlap a little following the race for the speed - or lack thereof - that he displayed on the speedway. "I didn't spin out, but then again I didn't go fast enough to spin out," Dunlap cracked.
The race was part of a World of Outlaws late model event here at MMP that played to a packed house.
MMP Track Facts
07-23-2005 9:16 am
Memphis Motorsports Park is a multi-use facility that plays host to racing events on three different race venues. There is a quarter-mile dirt oval, an NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, and of course the 0.75-mile oval on which the stars of NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series and Busch Series compete on.
The three-quarter mile oval on the surface appears similar to the track at Richmond, but there are differences. The only true part on both tracks in the backstretch, which here in Memphis is 300 feet longer at 1,100 feet. The turns, banked at 11 degrees, are much tighter than Richmond, especially entering turn three. The straightaways are tilted at just four degrees, enough to allow rain water to drain off.
One of the things that makes Memphis different than other tracks is the dip down the backstretch. Look for lots of sparks when the trucks hit that dip at speed later on tonight.
MMP Track Records
07-23-2005 9:25 am
Here are the track records at Memphis Motorsports Park:
Qualifying
- Greg Biffle, 120.139 miles per hour/22.474 seconds, set May 7, 1999.
Race
- Travis Kvapil, 89.065 miles per hour/1 hour, 41 minutes, 3 seconds, set June 22, 2002.
Seven Races, Seven Faces
07-23-2005 9:28 am
In the previous seven races at MMP dating back to 1998, we have never had a repeat winner. Here are the NCTS pole and race winners at Memphis Motorsports Park:
1998 - Pole, Greg Biffle, 118.901 mph; Race, Ron Hornaday, 84.204 mph, started 3rd
1999 - Pole, Greg Biffle, 120.139 mph; Race, Greg Biffle, 75.303 mph, started 1st
2000 - Pole, Bobby Hamilton, 118.043 mph; Race, Jack Sprague, 85.565 mph, started 5th
2001 - Pole, Jack Sprague, 116.863 mph; Race, Dennis Setzer, 82.279 mph, started 4th
2002 - Pole, Jason Leffler, 117.971 mph; Race, Travis Kvapil, 89.065 mph, started 3rd
2003 - Pole, Jon Wood, 117.407 mph; Race, Ted Musgrave, 86.097 mph, started 3rd
2004 - Pole, Jack Sprague, 118.917 mph; Race, Bobby Hamilton, 77.821 mph, started 3rd
Four races have been won from the third starting position, including the last three straight. The only starting position not to produce a race winner among the top-5 is the outside front row starting position. There has been one race won from the pole, one won from fourth, and one from fifth as well.
Entry List Updates
07-23-2005 9:36 am
Here are the updates to this weekend's normal NCTS entry list:
Timothy Peters
is again at the wheel of the No. 4 Bailey's Dodge
Chris Wimmer
is wheeling the No. 07 Green Light Racing Chevrolet, with sponsorship from Midwest Energy and Helmic Home Closings
Tam Topham
is scheduled for the No. 08 Green Light Racing Chevy, sponsored this week by Cheyenne
John Andretti
is back with the Billy Ballew Motorsports team, driving the No. 15 Juice PLUS/Alpharetta Self Storage Chevy
Roland Isaacs
is now scheduled for the No. 24 Mighty Motorsports Chevrolet
Frank Wilson
is entered in the No. 27 PMI Heating Chevrolet, attempting to make his first NCTS start
Aric Almirola
is in the No. 47 Chevy with support from hometown sponsor FedEx this weekend, also attempting to make his NCTS debut
Alex Yontz
is trying for his third NCTS start this season in the No. 61 Norandex/Reynolds Chevrolet
Justin Allgaier
is again with us this week in the Mittler Brothers Motorsports No. 63 Dave Porter Truck Sales Ford
Sam Beam
is attempting to make his series debut in the No. 64 Prime Development Chevrolet
Brad Rogers
, brother of Clay Rogers, takes his turn behind the wheel of the No. 65 Glynn Motorsports Dodge
Jim Walker
is back with us this weekend in the No. 74 Renaissance Electronics Ford
Tom Powers
, originally entered in the No. 89 Lafferty Motorsports Chevrolet, has withdrawn from the O'Reilly 200.
Radio checks are done...practice up next!
07-23-2005 9:46 am
The NASCAR officials have completed their process of checking all of their radios, the blowers are completing their final lap around the speedway to blow off all the dust, and we are just moments away from the first trucks rolling on to the speedway. We'll have all action as it happens right here at TrackSideLive!, so keep it locked here throughout the next hour to see who's fast as we inch closer to Live! Bud Pole Qualifying later this afternoon.
We're rolling!
07-23-2005 9:50 am
The first trucks are on the track. Chad Chaffin led the charge, with Ted Musgave, Johnny Benson, Robert Huffman, Dennis Setzer, and Ricky Craven right behind. Expect the track to be very busy in both practice sessions this morning as teams work on race setups and the teams that need to qualify on speed look to find that last hundredth of a second that will get them in the field.
They Said It, Prac 1 No 1
07-23-2005 9:53 am
Justin Allgaier, No. 63 Ford: "I am coming in. It's tight in the middle and off."
Johnny Benson, No. 23 Toyota: "I am sliding all over. I don't know if it's air pressure or what."
Dennis Setzer, No. 46 Chevrolet: "It's a little tight off the corner."
Prac 1 Rundown 1
07-23-2005 10:00 am
1. Sprague, 23.068
2. Hamilton, 23.162
3. Reutimann, 23.198
4. Hornaday, 23.204
5. Peters, 23.220
6. Huffman, 23.335
7. Crafton, 23.227
8. Musgrave, 23.238
9. Bodine, 23.264
10. Keselowski, 23.270
11. Starr, 23.278
12. Spencer, 23.282
13. Crawford, 23.364
14. Cook, 23.402
15. Andretti, 23.419
16. Setzer, 23.451
17. Gaughan, 23.448
18. Wimmer, 23.505
19. Montgomery, 23.511
20. Kluever, 23.532
21. Hines, 23.552
22. Skinner, 23.542
23. Lester, 23.590
24. Pressley, 23.605
25. Benson, 23.667
26. Park, 23.722
27. Yontz, 23.944
28. Allgaier, 24.241
29. Wilson, 24.378
30. Topham, 24.409
31. Rogers, 24.683
32. Sutton, 24.793
33. Beam, 24.926
34. Walker, 25.048
They Said It, Prac 1 No 2
07-23-2005 10:07 am
Brendan Gaughan, No. 77 Dodge: "The nose is hitting the track going into three. You can see where everyone hits, and you want to brake after it, but that's where the nose it hitting."
Todd Kluever, No. 50 Ford: "It feels like it's picking up the nose of the track and losing grip on the front tires."
Terry Cook, No. 10 Ford: "It's got a left-right rocking sensation. It's a little tight, but it's not bad."
Ricky Craven, No. 99 Ford: "It's a little bit tight. It has too much bite."
Jimmy Spencer, No. 2 Dodge: "It's looser going into three. It needs more grip. You turn on the wheel and it gets really loose."
Prac 1 Rundown 2
07-23-2005 10:15 am
1. Sprague, 22.950
2. Bodine, 23.126
3. Hamilton, 23.162
4. Setzer, 23.166
5. Peters, 23.169
6. Reutimann, 23.198
7. Hornaday, 23.204
8. Huffman, 23.226
9. Crafton, 23.227
10. Musgrave, 23.238
11. Keselowski, 23.255
12. Spencer, 23.259
13. Whitt, 23.274
14. Starr, 23.278
15. Craven, 23.303
16. Crawford, 23.364
17. Chaffin, 23.397
18. Cook, 23.402
19. Hines, 23.402
20. Andretti, 23.419
21. Almirola, 23.425
22. Montgomery, 23.405
23. Gaughan, 23.448
24. Kluever, 23.450
25. Wimmer, 23.505
26. Lester, 23.514
27. Skinner, 23.549
28. Park, 23.579
29. Pressley, 23.605
30. Benson, 23.667
31. Renshaw, 23.793
32. Yontz, 23.876
33. Allgaier, 23.995
34. Topham, 24.306
35. Wilson, 24.378
36. Rogers, 34.537
37. Isaacs, 34.615
38. Sutton, 34.719
39. Beam, 34.877
40. Walker, 34.908
Quick red out
07-23-2005 10:24 am
We went red just for a couple of moments as the NCTS officials checked the speedway after there was a problem reported with Frank Wilson's No. 27 Chevrolet. We are back green, and we'll try to track down exactly what the cause of the red was in the coming minutes.
UPDATE: NASCAR officials report that Wilson did a quick spin and drove back to the pits without making contact. Officials also report no problems on the track surface, and we have remained green.
Prac 1 Rudnwn 3
07-23-2005 10:31 am
1. Sprague, 22.950
2. Bodine, 23.126
3. Hamilton, 23.162
4. Setzer, 23.166
5. Peters, 23.169
6. Reutimann, 23.198
7. Hornaday, 23.204
8. Huffman, 23.226
9. Crafton, 23.227
10. Musgrave, 23.238
11. Whitt, 23.250
12. Keselowski, 23.255
13. Spencer, 23.259
14. Starr, 23.278
15. Craven, 23.303
16. Crawford, 23.364
17. Almirola, 23.381
18. Chaffin, 23.397
19. Cook, 23.402
20. Hines, 23.402
21. Andretti, 23.419
22. Montgomery, 23.446
23. Gaughan, 23.448
24. Kluever, 23.450
25. Wimmer, 23.505
26. Lester, 23.514
27. Skinner, 23.549
28. Park, 23.579
29. Pressley, 23.605
30. Benson, 23.606
31.Renshaw, 23.793
32.Yontz, 23.875
33. Allgaier, 23.995
34. Topham, 24.244
35. Isaacs, 24.265
36. Wilson, 24.378
37. Rogers, 24.537
38. Sutton, 24.719
39. Beam, 24.877
40. Walker, 24.908
Heat an issue even early
07-23-2005 10:43 am
Brendan Gaughan just cautioned his team about the heat as he headed out for a quick practice run about the dangers of the heat.
"I want you guys to use this 30 seconds or 60 seconds to get some water in you," he said. "Every time we head out, drink water. You guys don't look bad now, but this is going to be a long day and we need to stay hydrated. Use the time we're on the track to get as much water as you can."
Practice done
07-23-2005 10:50 am
The first practice of the morning has just ended, with Jack Sprague still on top of the board. Todd Bodine, defending winner Bobby Hamilton, Dennis Setzer, and Timothy Peters rounded out the top-5.
Practice 1 Results
07-23-2005 11:04 am
Click here to see results from today's first practice at Memphis Motorsports Park
If the field was set based on practice one times...
07-23-2005 11:08 am
Here is who would have been in, and who would have been out, based on times from today's first practice:
In:
Aric Almirola, 17th
Chad Chaffin, 18th
Alex Yontz, 32nd
Roland Isaacs, 33rd
Justin Allgaier, 34th
Brad Rogers, 35th
Out:
Frank Wilson, 37th
Kelly Sutton, 38th
Sam Beam, 39th
Jim Walker, 40th
Any takers?
07-23-2005 11:21 am
The track has opened for practice, but we're still silent. With the heat of the day, no one is willing to run a lot of laps on a track surface that will be drastically different later this afternoon for qualifying and then later this evening in the race. We'll keep track of all the action when the trucks do roll out for this 60-minute session.
Trucks on track
07-23-2005 11:27 am
Ever so slowly, the drivers of the NCTS are coming out to play in the second practice session. Unlike the first session when there was a mad dash to get out on the track, we've only had 17 drivers come out within the first ten minutes of this session.
Prac 2 Rundown 1
07-23-2005 11:38 am
1. Hornaday, 23.354
2. Spencer, 23.414
3. Setzer, 23.458
4. Starr, 23.533
5. Pressley, 23.562
6. Whitt, 23.578
7. Reutimann, 23.600
8. Almirola, 23.607
9. Crafton, 23.622
10. Hamilton, 23.629
11. Sprague, 23.643
12. Cook, 23.644
13. Musgrave, 23.645
14. Huffman, 23.663
15. Park, 23.673
16. Crawford, 23.677
17. Keselowski, 23.682
18. Kluever, 23.695
19. Skinner, 23.697
20. Benson, 23.732
21. Gaughan, 23.737
22. Montgomery, 23.748
23. Wimmer, 23.762
24. Renshaw, 23.767
25. Bodine, 23.787
26. Lester, 23.814
27. Andretti, 23.833
28. Allgaier, 23.903
29. Yontz, 23.960
30. Rogers, 24.020
31. Topham, 24.070
32. Isaacs, 24.081
33. Craven, 24.577
34. Sutton, 24.700
35. Walker, 24.719
36. Chaffin, 24.997
37. Wilson, 25.641
Prac 2 Rundown 2
07-23-2005 11:52 am
1. Peters, 23.170
2. Hornaday, 23.354
3. Whitt, 23.407
4. Spencer, 23.414
5. Hamilton, 23.428
6. Gaughan, 23.439
7.Setzer, 23.458
8. Musgrave, 23.515
9. Crawford, 23.527
10. Starr, 23.533
11. Pressley, 23.562
12. Reutimann, 23.600
13. Almirola, 23.607
14. Crafton, 23.622
15. Andretti, 23.626
16. Sprague, 23.643
17. Cook, 23.644
18. Yontz, 23.648
19. Huffman, 23.633
20. Keselowski, 23.670
21. Benson, 23.670
22. Park, 23.673
23. Kluever, 23.696
24. Skinner, 23.697
25. Craven, 23.710
26. Montgomery, 23.748
27. Wimmer, 23.762
28. Renshaw, 23.767
29. Bodine, 23.784
30. Hines, 23.787
31. Lester, 23.814
32. Chaffin, 23.821
33. Rogers, 23.892
34. Allgaier, 23.903
35. Topham, 24.070
36. Isaacs, 24.081
37. Walker, 24.592
38. Sutton, 24.700
39. Beam, 24.927
40. Wilson, 24.977
Prac 2 Rundown 2
07-23-2005 11:52 am
1. Peters, 23.170
2. Hornaday, 23.354
3. Whitt, 23.407
4. Spencer, 23.414
5. Hamilton, 23.428
6. Gaughan, 23.439
7.Setzer, 23.458
8. Musgrave, 23.515
9. Crawford, 23.527
10. Starr, 23.533
11. Pressley, 23.562
12. Reutimann, 23.600
13. Almirola, 23.607
14. Crafton, 23.622
15. Andretti, 23.626
16. Sprague, 23.643
17. Cook, 23.644
18. Yontz, 23.648
19. Huffman, 23.633
20. Keselowski, 23.670
21. Benson, 23.670
22. Park, 23.673
23. Kluever, 23.696
24. Skinner, 23.697
25. Craven, 23.710
26. Montgomery, 23.748
27. Wimmer, 23.762
28. Renshaw, 23.767
29. Bodine, 23.784
30. Hines, 23.787
31. Lester, 23.814
32. Chaffin, 23.821
33. Rogers, 23.892
34. Allgaier, 23.903
35. Topham, 24.070
36. Isaacs, 24.081
37. Walker, 24.592
38. Sutton, 24.700
39. Beam, 24.927
40. Wilson, 24.977
Prac 2 Rundown 3
07-23-2005 12:08 pm
1. Whitt, 23.130
2. Setzer, 23.157
3. Peters, 23.170
4. Wimmer, 23.198
5. Almirola, 23.250
6. Lester, 23.306
7. Hornaday, 23.354
8. Spencer, 23.414
9. Hamilton, 23.428
10. Gaughan, 23.439
11. Musgrave, 23.515
12. Sprague, 23.516
13. Crawford, 23.527
14. Starr, 23.533
15. Cook, 23.541
16. Pressley, 23.562
17. Reutimann, 23.600
18. Park, 23.608
19. Crafton, 23.622
20. Andretti, 23.626
21. Yontz, 23.648
22. Huffman, 23.663
23. Keselowski, 23.670
24. Benson, 23.670
25. Craven, 23.672
26. Kluever, 23.696
27. Skinner, 23.697
28. Montgomery, 23.748
29. Renshaw, 23.767
30. Bodine, 23.784
31. Hines, 23.787
32. Chaffin, 23.800
33. Allgaier, 23.873
34. Rogers, 23.892
35. Isaacs, 24.008
36. Topham, 24.070
37. Beam, 24.464
38. Walker, 24.592
39. Sutton, 24.700
40. Wilson, 24.780
Final Practice Results
07-23-2005 12:26 pm
Click here to see the Final Practice Results for the O'Reilly 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park
Facts and Figures...
07-23-2005 12:27 pm
Since we are on an accelerated schedule with the one day show, we'll take out look at the stats, facts, and figures going into the eighth NCTS race at Memphis Motorsports Park between practice and qualifying...starting now!
Best Finishes
07-23-2005 12:30 pm
Here is the best Memphis finish for each driver entered here this weekend:
Bobby Hamilton, 1st
Ron Hornaday, 1st
Ted Musgrave, 1st
Dennis Setzer, 1st
Jack Sprague, 1st
Terry Cook, 2nd
Chad Chaffin, 4th
Rick Crawford, 5th
Matt Crafton, 6th
David Starr, 7th
Brendan Gaughan, 8th
Steve Park, 11th
Robert Pressley, 12th
Tracy Hines, 14th
Brandon Whitt, 15th
Robert Huffman, 16th
Bill Lester, 17th
David Reutimann, 17th
Chase Montgomery, 18th
Mike Skinner, 26th
Kelly Sutton, 27th
Brad Keselowski, 35th
Chris Wimmer, 36th
Here are the drivers attempting to make their first start at MMP: Timothy Peters, Jimmy Spencer, Ricky Craven, Aric Almirola, John Andretti, Todd Kluever, Johnny Benson, Deborah Renshaw, Alex Yontz, Roland Isaacs, Justin Allgaier, Brad Rogers, Tam Topham, Frank Wilson, Sam Beam, Jim Walker
MMP Race Averages
07-23-2005 12:41 pm
Here are the averages from the previous seven races at Memphis Motorsports Park:
The average start of the winner is 3.14. The pole sitter has won once, the third place starter has won four times - including the last three in a row - the fourth place starter has won once, and the fifth place starter has won once.
There are an average of 17 lead lap finishers, with a high of 26 in 2004 and a low of 14 in 2000 and 2001.
There are an average of 7.29 lead changes, with a high of 10 in 2003 and a low of 3 in 1998.
The average number of lead drivers is 5.14, with a high of 6 in 2000, 2001, and 2003 and a low of 4 in 1998 and 2004.
The caution flag waves an average of 8.43 times per race, with a record high of 12 in 1999 and a low of 7 in 2001 and 2003.
The pace truck leads the field for an average of 43.9 laps, with a record high of 59 laps in 1999 and a record low of 32 on 2002.
The cumulative average speed is 81.622 mph, with a record of 86.097 in 2003 and a low of 75.303 in 1999.
Year to Date Points Analysis
07-23-2005 12:50 pm
Point spread, 1-5:
2004, 188
2005, 208
Point Spread, 1-10:
2004, 345
2005, 317
Biggest movers -
Terry Cook, +8, currently 7th
Bill Lester, +7, currently 16th
Mike Skinner, +6, currently 8th
Biggest droppers -
Rick Crawford, -9, currently 17th
Steve Park, -5, currently 18th
David Reutimann, -4, currently 9th
More YTD...
07-23-2005 12:56 pm
More year-to-date stats...
Number of race winners - 2004, 9; 2005, 9
Average start of winner - 2004, 5.77; 2005, 12.8
Number of pole winners - 2004, 6; 2005, 10
MFR Current Year Performance
07-23-2005 1:01 pm
Current year manufacturer performance:
Chevrolet - 8 wins, 4 poles, 24 top-5, 45 top-10, 1007 laps led
Dodge - 4 wins, 2 poles, 16 top-5, 30 top-10, 343 laps led
Ford - 0 wins, 1 pole, 9 top-5, 24 top-10, 205 laps led
Toyota - 1 win, 5 poles, 16 top-5, 31 top-10, 568 laps led
2005 Key Race Stats
07-23-2005 1:03 pm
Average start position of winner - 12.8
Lead changes per race - 9.8
Lead drivers per race - 7.2
Caution flags per race - 7.5
Caution laps per race - 34.8
Average starters per race - 36.0
Number of drivers running at finish - 28.2
Number of drivers not running at finish - 7.8
Average number of drivers on lead lap on finish - 16.9
Cumulative lead changes - 2004, 138; 2005, 128
Average lead changes per race - 2004, 10.6; 2005, 9.85
Average leaders per race - 2004, 6; 2005, 7.15
Total laps run under caution - 2004, 565; 2005, 453
Average caution flags per race - 2004, 7.85; 2005, 7.54
Xpress making repairs...
07-23-2005 1:57 pm
Jack Sprague made some contact with the turn four wall near the end of the second practice session, forcing the Xpress Motorsports crew to make some repairs to the No. 16 Chevrolet. They had to replace the entire front suspension, as well as crush panels in the rear. Crew chief Chris Showalter said "we changed the suspension just to be on the safe side. It was just some cosmetic damage to the rear, mainly."
How hot is it?
07-23-2005 3:09 pm
Just how warm is it here in Memphis? Air temps are around 95 degrees with a heat index of 117 degrees. Think that's hot?
It is a warm and toasty 102 degrees inside Kelly Sutton's No. 02 Chevrolet, which is still parked in the shade of her garage stall. Jim Walker's No. 74 Ford registered 115 degrees in the sun, but the temp around the inside of the roof was 136 degrees. It will only get hotter once the engines are fired.
But that's not the most extreme number yet! The track has been bathed in sun all afternoon and registered a cool 147 degrees just an hour before qualifying is scheduled to begin. Anyone have an egg they want cooked?
What are the teams doing to adjust?
07-23-2005 3:19 pm
The heat is forcing many of the teams to make major changes to their trucks prior to qualifying. After learning all they could in the two hours of practice we had this morning, several teams were changing springs and rear end gears looking for the right combination to give them grip once the sun goes down and it cools off somewhat. In addition, teams have installed massive front and rear brake ducts to keep the brakes cool, and there are hoses sucking fresh air from outside into the cockpit and on to the driver. One problem there, however: often when it is this hot, the air blowing in is no cooler than the air inside, and it's like driving on a 100 degree day with the windows up and the heat on.
What are the drivers doing now to stay cool?
07-23-2005 3:26 pm
Most drivers are taking refuge from the oppressive heat prior to qualifying - coming your your way Live! right here at 4:30 pm ET - here in Memphis. One driver, Terry Cook, has snuck into the tractor that pulls his transport trailer across the country and is catching a quick snooze, while others has returned just outside turn two to their motor homes. Others, like Timothy Peters, Matt Crafton, and Ricky Craven, are unphased by the heat and have been in the garage area working with their teams.
Sights and Sounds
07-23-2005 3:34 pm
Don't forget, we have the Sights and Sounds box to the right side of the page, with lots of images from Memphis and a few audio clips as well. Once we finish up with qualifying, we'll get with a few more drivers as well. Keep checking back!
All trucks have passed inspection...
07-23-2005 3:51 pm
"All trucks have passed inspection," was the call on the radio just moments ago. Stand by as we bring you
Live! Bud Pole Qualifying
, which is just moments away!
Qualifying Fast Facts
07-23-2005 6:10 pm
With his qualifying run here this afternoon, Brandon Whitt earned his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pole; his previous best finish was fifth earlier this season at California...Whitt's pole comes one race after his career-best NCTS finish, which was fifth two weeks ago in Kentucky...four previous MMP winners will start in the top seven: Bobby Hamilton, 3rd; Jack Sprague, 4th; Ron Hornaday, 5th; Ted Musgrave, 7th...Timothy Peters is the highest starting rooking contender; Peters will roll off from the ninth spot here tonite.
Hamilton starts third...
07-23-2005 6:15 pm
The last three winners of the NCTS race at Memphis have started from the third position, obviously including last year when Bobby Hamilton held off Shane Hmiel to go to victory lane. Are we looking at an omen for later on tonight when we see that Hamilton is again lining up inside row two for the start tonight?
O'Reilly 200 Pit Road Layout
07-23-2005 6:18 pm
Here are the pit assignments for this evening's O'Reilly 200, starting with the first stall at the exit of pit road and ending with the last stall at the entrance of pit road:
Brandon Whitt Toyota
Terry Cook Ford
Ron Hornaday Jr.Chevrolet
David Starr Chevrolet
Todd Kluever # Ford
Mike Skinner Toyota
Matt Crafton Chevrolet
Brendan Gaughan Dodge
Bill Lester Toyota
Chris Wimmer Chevrolet
Jack Sprague Chevrolet
Open Stall
Open Stall
Bobby Hamilton Dodge
Chad Chaffin Toyota
Chase MontgomeryDodge
Rick Crawford Ford
Robert Pressley Dodge
Ted Musgrave Dodge
Start Finish Line/Opening in pit wall
David Reutimann Toyota
Steve Park Dodge
Timothy Peters #Dodge
Johnny Benson Toyota
Tracy Hines Chevrolet
Ricky Craven Ford
Deborah Renshaw Dodge
Dennis Setzer Chevrolet
Brad Keselowski Ford
Robert Huffman Toyota
Brad Rogers Dodge
Aric Almirola Chevrolet
Tam Topham Chevrolet
John Andretti Chevrolet
Alex Yontz Chevrolet
Roland Isaacs Chevrolet
Jimmy Spencer Dodge
Kelly Sutton Chevrolet
Todd Bodine Toyota
To the back...
07-23-2005 7:43 pm
Two drivers will have to go to the back of the field for the start of the O'Reilly 200:
Kelly Sutton (unapproved adjustment)
Tam Topham (unapproved adjustment)
Traffic backed up...
07-23-2005 7:48 pm
The fans are lined up for nearly a mile outside the gates of Memphis Motorsports Park trying to get into the track in time for the start of the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200. A record crowd is anticipated here tonight.
Intros underway...green flag soon
07-23-2005 7:50 pm
The NCTS drivers are about done crossing the stage for driver introductions. The green flag is expected around 8:15 pm ET, and we'll have all the action for you as we bring you race updates throughout the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200, so keep it locked on to TruckSeries.com!
Invocation and Anthem done
07-23-2005 8:02 pm
The invocation has been said and the Star Spangled Banner performed, and we are ready to go racing! The command to start engines is just moment away.
O'Reilly 200 Race Updates 1-10
07-23-2005 8:08 pm
10. Lap 41 - Renshaw spins through turn two after contact from Huffman. She spins to the infield without contact. Craven comes to pit road, as does Peters, Montgomery, Benson, and Renshaw. Benson received the free pass and rejoins the lead lap.
9. Lap 34 - Part of the field pits. Hamilton leads off pit road wuth Keselowski, Montgomery, Musgrave, Huffman, Andretti, Spencer, Skinner, Wimmer, Park, Rogers, Craven, and Sutton following. Whitt leads Reutimann, Hornaday, Sprague, Cook, Bodine, Peters, Kluever, Crawford, Setzer, Crafton, Starr, Hines, Chaffin, Lester, Pressley, Almirola, Gaughan, Renshaw, and then the teams that pitted.
8. Lap 31 - Whitt starts lapping the back of the field just as Bensin has troubles in turn two and shoots up towards the wall. First lap of caution is lap 34. Yontz will receive the free pass.
7. Lap 24 - Isaacs takes his machine to the garage. Yontz, Topham, Spencer, Park, Renshaw and Sutton are a half a straightaway ahead of leader Whitt.
6. Lap 19 - Whitt is stretching the lead now over Reutimann, leading by almost a full second. The top 30 are single file, with only Gaughan and Yontz side by side for 31st and 32nd.
5. Lap 13 - Whitt takes off on restart but feels heat from Reutimann and Hornaday. Field is now single file wth the only battle near the leaders involving Crafton and Setzer for 12th and 13th.
4. Lap 10 - Lots of action leading up to the first caution. Skinner and Craven come together in turn four with Skinner getting sideways but maintaining control. Then, Benson and Huffman get together with Huffman scrubbing the wall just beneath the bridge on the backstretch but contining on. As the field accordioned into turn three, Gaughan tried to avoid Huffman and lost grip and went for a lazy slide through turn three and four. Park and Gaughan come to pit road.
3. Lap 3 - Hornaday dips inside Hamilton for third. Whitt leads Reutimann, Hornaday, Hamilton, Sprague, Cook, Bodine, Peters, Musgrave, Crawford, Kluever, Crafton, Setzer, Hines, Starr, Lester, Skinner, Huffman, Chaffin, Benson, Gaughan, and Craven.
2. Green flag is waving and we are under way for 200 laps. Whitt and Reutimann lead the pack with Whitt leading off turn two. Hamilton peeks inside before settling for third behind Reutimann. The first lap is clean and green and the field is starting to string out.
1. The field has cleared pit road. Pit road speed is 35 miles per hour. The pace truck is running 40 miles per hour under caution. There is one lap to go at the line before we go green.
O'Reilly 200 Race Updates 11-20
07-23-2005 8:42 pm
20. Lap 81 - Whitt is mowing them down as he moves into sixth and starts to close on the front five. Lester is retired for the evening due to the damage received in that restart crunch.
19. Lap 77 - Hornaday to fifth and Whitt up to ninth as Lester is behind the wall for radiator repairs. Topham has driven behind the wall and may be done for the night.
18. Lap 73 - Reutimann leads Kluever, Setzer, Musgrave, Gaughan, Huffman, Wimmer, Hornaday, Andretti, Whitt, Starr, Skinner, Rogers, Spencer, Crafton, Cook, Hamilton, Chaffin, and Montgomery.
17. Lap 70 - Almirola spins in turn four. Crawford pits, with Pressley and Hines following. Sprague also comes down, as does Bodine, Park, and Benson.
16. Lap 67 - Lester returns to pit road with the hood up. Reutimann leads Kluever, Crawford, Setzer, Musgrave, Huffman, Pressley, Wimmer and Hornaday.
15. Lap 63 - Lester's team pounded down the hood and sent him back out. There was no radiator damage.
14. Lap 57 - Lester nails Sprague as the field stacks up on a slow restart and comes to the pits with a busted radiator.
13. Lap 54 - Reutimann leads. Kluever, Crawford, Setzer, Hines, Gaughan, Pressley, Huffman, Musgrave, Wimmer, Andretti, Rogers, Skinner, Montgomery, Renshaw, Yontz, Spencer, Hornaday, Whitt, Starr, Crafton, Chaffin, Cook, Sprague, Lester, Hamilton Almirola, Park, Keselowski, Sutton, Craven, Bodine, and Benson are the lead lap trucks.
12. Lap 51 - Andretti dives inside Topham and they make contact going into three. Topham spins with Sutton, Wimmer, Peters, Craven, and Rogers getting involved. Several leaders come to pit road. Reutimann stays out to lead.
11. Lap 47 - Hornaday dives outside Reutimann in one and two and inside Whitt in three and four to take the lead on the restart.
O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 Race Updates 21-30
07-23-2005 9:05 pm
30. Lap 129 - Hornaday slides underneath Retimann to take the lead. Andretti moves to fourth past Crawford and brings Setzer with him. Musgrave pops a right front to bring out the caution, and Kluever narrowly misses picking up the free pass as he was on Sutton's rear bumper when the caution flew.
29. Lap 124 - Crawford leads Reutimann, Whitt, Hornaday Andretti, Setzer, Starr and Huffman. Reutimann slides inside and brings Whitt and Hornaday along to lead lap 126.
28. Kluever jumps out front and hopes to catch Sutton to become the first truck one lap down. Musgrave is off the pace and has dropped the last lead lap truck.
27. Lap 114 - Crawford stays out as the rest of the field comes to pit road. Reutimann leads off pit road followed by Whitt, Andrettu, Setzer, Huffman, Starr, Hornaday, Musgrave, Cook, Hamilton, Craftin, Gaughan, Bodine, Spencer, Chaffin, Skinner, Craven, Wimmer, Sprague, Benson, Park, Peters, Renshaw, Almirola, Rogers, Hines, and Montgomery.Crawford and Keselowski stayed out to lead to the green.
26. Lap 113 - The caution that Kluever did not want to see comes out as Sutton spins off turn four.
25. Lap 110 - Kluever pits under green.
24. Lap 103 - Whitt is now pressing for the lead as Hornaday skated up high in one and two. Pressley drove to the trailer with terminal ignition problems.
23. Lap 97 - Whitt moves past Hornaday with pass around the outside into turn one. Reutimann leads Kluever, Setzer, Musgrave, Whitt, Hornaday, Andretti. Starr, Gaughan, Huffman, Cook, Wimmer, Crafton Skinner, Hamilton, Crawford, Peters, Chaffin, Sprague, Pressley, Bodine, Craven, Spencer, Hines, Rogers, Bensin, Montgomery, Keselowski, Almirola, Park, Sutton, and Renshaw at halfway.
22. Lap 93 - Setzer now presses Kluever for second as the front six run under a blanket.
21. Lap 88 - Yontz is off the pace and comes to the pits. Whitt has caught the front five. Kluever starts to pressure Reutimann for the lead.
O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 Race Updates 31-40
07-23-2005 9:29 pm
40. Red flag is withdrawn and the trucks are rolling. Red lasted approximately 8 minutes.
39. Almirola and Skinner are reported out due to the accident. Huffman has been examined and released from the infield medical center.
38. lap 161 - Reutimann misses a shift on the restart and loses second to Whitt. Almirola gets stuffed into the wall, Musgrave had no where to go and nailed him in the rear which sent Almirola down the track and into Skinner. Skinner has considerable damage to the right front. We've gone red to clean the considerable debris on the backstretch. NASCAR will allow the safety crew to deliver water to the drivers as they have stopped on the backstretch.
37. Lap 159 - Restart, Hornaday leads Reutimann, Whitt, Andretti, Setzer, Starr, Gaughan, Hamilton, Crafton, and Sprague.
36. Lap 154 - Huffman crashes on the backstretch to bring out the caution. Safety crews are on the scene and Huffman has climbed from the truck to take the ride to the medical center.
35. Lap 150 - It's 87 degrees with 50 laps remaining. Hornaday leads Reutimann, Whitt, Andretti, Setzer, Starr, Gaughan, Hamilton, Huffman, Crafton, Sprague, Chaffin, Benson, Bodine, and Spencer. All 31 trucks running are on the lead lap.
34. Lap 149 - Peters spins and taps the wall in turn four. Montgomery will get the free pass.
33. Lap 144 - Restart, Hornaday leads. Hamilton is on the move to the front as he passes Huffman for eighth.
32. Lap 140 - Cook's bad break is Kluever's good break. Cook spins in two to bring out the caution, giving Kluever the free pass to rejoin the lead lap.
31. Lap 137 - Restart. Hornaday leads Reutimann with Kluever tucking in third in line. Whitt is third with Andretti fourth and Setzer fifth.
O'Reilly 200 Race Updates 41 - 48
07-23-2005 10:04 pm
48. Lap 200 - Spencer spins and creates large plumes of smoke shortly after the restart for the green-white-checker, but no caution comes out. As Hornaday enters the smoke, he slows and makes contact with Whitt and as Hornaday spins Whitt takes the lead for his first NCTS career win.
47. Lap 199 - Craven has been evaluated and released from the care center. We will run 202 laps tonight.
46, Lap 196 - Renshaw smacks the fence in turn three to bring out the record-breaking 13th caution, and necessitating the first ever green-white-checkered finish at MMP. It also ties the record for the most cautions in the 2005 NCTS season, set this season at Mansfield.
45. Lap 181 - Starr nudged Gaughan going into turn one, sending him up the banking. Gaughan falls from sixth to eighth.
44. Lap 176 - Restart. Hornaday leads Whitt, Reutimann, Andretti and Setzer.
43. Lap 171 - Craven hits the wall hard in turn one. He had a tire go down and as he corrected it bit to the right and sent him into the wall nose first on the driver's side. He climbed from the truck on his own power and is on his way to the care center for evaluation.
42. Lap 165 - Chaffin contacts Cook and knocks the nose off his truck as the field prepares to come to the green. Hornaday leads on the restart.
41. Lap 163 - All 28 trucks rolling are on the lead lap. Hornaday leads Whitt, Reutimann, Andretti, Setzer, Gaughan, Starr, Hamilton, Crafton, Sprague, Bodine, Park, Benson, Spencer, Musgrave, Renshaw, Hines, Crawford, Wimmer, Keselowski, Kluever, Craven, Rogers, Montgomery, Sutton, Cook, Chaffin, and Peters.
Unofficial Results: O'Reilly Auto Parts 200
07-23-2005 10:21 pm
1. Whitt
2. Reutimann
3. Gaughan
4. Setzer
5. Starr
6. Hamilton
7. Crafton
8. Andretti
9. Benson
10. Kluever
11. Crawford
12. Park
13. Sprague
14. Keselowski
15. Cook
16. Hines
17. Wimmer
18. Peters
19. Rogers
20. Sutton
21. Hornaday
22. Spencer
23. Bodine
24. Renshaw
25. Montgomery
26. Musgrave
27. Craven
28. Chaffin
29. Skinner
30. Almirola
31. Huffman
32. Pressley
33. Yontz
34. Topham
35. Lester
36. Isaacs
Hot night sends several to care center
07-23-2005 11:46 pm
With the oppressively hot temperatures and extreme humidity here this evening, many drivers have gone to the care center following the race to take the chance to cool off, get a breath of fresh air, and take some IV fluids. Tracy Hines and Kelly Sutton were in the care center post-race, and Robert Huffman spent an extra period inside cooling off following his incident late in the race. While winner Brandon Whitt won the race, he was suffering from the extreme heat all night long. While his backside was blistered, Whitt went to the care center for a cool shower before heading to celebrate with his team. All drivers treated in the care center have been released.
Hornaday handles loss with dignity
07-23-2005 11:51 pm
Ron Hornaday was dealt a crushing blow when he spun out in turn four while leading coming to the checkered flag, however, he handled the defeat with dignity.
"It has just been that kind of year for us," said Hornaday. "Our luck just hasn't been right lately. On that last lap I though I had the race won but wasn't sure if I could get through the smoke. I didn't know if it was clear on the other side so I checked up a little. The 38 had a good run on me and got a little piece of my rear and that was it. It certainly wasn't Brandon's fault. I have to put the blame on myself."
Unofficial Points
07-23-2005 11:56 pm
A quick look at the top ten in unofficial point standings following tonight's O'Reilly 200:
1. Setzer, 2089
2. Musgrave, 1931
3. Hamilton, 1926
4. Hornaday, 1841
5. Spencer, 1814
6. Craven, 1803
7. Reutimann, 1799
8. Cook, 1778
9. Crafton, 1758
10. Starr, 1752
Best Career Finish
07-24-2005 12:06 am
Brandon Whitt comes back from a solid sixth last race at Kentucky to better that finish here tonight, obviously his best career finish in 1st. David Reutimann also set his career best finish with a 2nd place run, while John Andretti (8th) and Chris Wimmer (17th) also had career best finishes here tonight.
Lights are going off, we gotta go!
07-24-2005 12:09 am
The staff here at Memphis Motorsports Park wants to call it a night, so with that we are going to bring to a close our coverage of round 14 of the 2005 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. What a night we had here with a first time pole sitter going on to collect his first career win and a record Craftsman Win from the Pole bonus. Brandon Whitt picked up the ball and ran with it when leader Ron Hornaday spun coming to the checkered flag, and in doing so picked up an additional $18,000 for winning from the pole. Point leader Dennis Setzer stretched out his advantage on several of his closest challengers as he continues to put a chokehold on the rest of the field.
We'd like to extend our congratulations to Brandon Whitt and his team for a great win here tonight, and also thank Doug Randolf and the staff here at Memphis Motorsports Park for all of their assistance throughout the day.
We'll spend the next 24 hours pouring over the facts and figures of the O'Reilly 200 and put together our exclusive TrackSideLive Post-race Wrap-up Podcast, which you can download and listen to at your convenience. That will be available for your listening pleasure on Monday. Until then, enjoy the post-race interviews we collected, look at the pictures we have taken and try to find a spot to stay cool.
We'll pick up coverage in a couple of weeks in IRP. Until then, take care everybody!
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