Notes of Interest:

Prior to arriving in Sparta, Kentucky Gaughan spent several days touring Jasper Engines and Transmissions facilities in Crawford and Jasper, Indiana. The visits to the facilities gave Gaughan the chance to spend a little quality time with the employees who help support Orleans Racing's Craftsman Truck efforts.

On the first day of the tour Gaughan met with the entire day shift from the Crawford, Indiana facility then went on to tour and greet employees of Jasper's "family" shift at the Jasper, Indiana facility. The following day Gaughan met with employees of Jasper West (completely staffed by Hispanic employees, whom Gaughan spoke with in Spanish), Jasper Electric Motor then back to Jasper's main facility where he met the day shift employees during the morning.

"It's great to be able to meet the folks at Jasper's manufacturing faculties," said Gaughan after his two-day Midwest tour. "First the facilities themselves are impressive --- and unlike anything I've ever seen. But what's really neat about my visits is that we get to meet so many great race fans.

"Everyplace you look you can see the Jasper employees supporting their NASCAR program. A hood from a car on one wall or a side of car on another. And posters and hero cards? They're all over the place."

Gaughan was even named and honorary team member of "POD 59" of the Jasper, Indian main plant (a POD is an integral group of employees that work as a team to complete their shop task). "This lovely young lady came up with a string of beads and hung them around my neck," Gaughan noted on the touching impromptu event. "She told me what they meant and how I was now an honorary member of their team. It was very touching for me to be recognized like that by these hard working folks. I'm proud to be considered a member of the Jasper Family --- and will work hard to maintain the faith they've put in me and the entire Orleans Racing team."

Gaughan on Kentucky:

Last time I was there in 2003 we were leading the thing. Me and Carl Edwards were putting on a show for the fans. Great race. We lost and oil pump and put a hole in the side of the engine. I spun out in my own oil. I actually spun out, didn't hit anything, and coasted into the garage from turn three. It was one of the greatest saves I've accomplished as a driver - I didn't hit anything and it was fun.

I've always done well there --- it's one of those tracks I do well at, a mile and a half. The Orleans Team is struggling though. Our aero program isn't quite fixed up yet. We know that. So just like Kansas, me and Rambo look at each other and say it's time to cowboy up and him and I just make adjustments, don't quit and make adjustments and refuse to be bad. If that means going back to 34th a lap down to make those adjustments we'll do it. We're going to battle for a top-10. We're going to dig for every spot we can get.

The Orleans Team is coming ---- and we're going to be great.