High Sierra Photo

Nineteen-year-old Justin Allgaier has had a tough learning curve while competing with Missouri-based MB Motorsports for his first foray into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series but the young driver feels as though progress was made during his limited time in the seat of the #63 Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool/Dave Port Truck Sales Ford F-150.
 
"It's been tough," stated the young driver. "Of course I want to go out there, win races and be consistently in the top-10 but I also know that I have a lot to learn.  This sport isn't about wants, it's about determination and that desire that keeps fueling you to go back out after you have a bad run and keep diggin'.  This series (NCTS) is highly competitive even for the most seasoned veteran and multi-truck teams, so I am happy with what Mike Mittler and everyone on the #63 team offered because we gave it our best effort every time.  I couldn't have asked for a better coach and mentor than Mike Mittler - he's intelligent, patient and has a lot of experience under his belt.  He stays positive and gives 200% so it makes everyone else around him want to do the same."
 
"We struggled with running a limited schedule, the new points system and trying to hold our own against these guys but we were able to start four races.  My goal was to gain experience by turning laps, not tear a lot up and just learn from the best out there.  I feel as though I did that and still had fun so I can't ask for much more. A top 15 would have been nice but we ended up with one DNF and three decent finishes (1 26th and 2 27th places).  I think our 22nd place qualifying effort at Texas really surprised a few people so hopefully that shows promise on what we are capable of."
 
Allgaier and Mike Mittler's independent #63 team made their first start at the Milwaukee Mile in June's "Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200" and earned their highest finish (26th) after starting 34th.  And they capped their season this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway's "Silverado 350k" with an impressive 22nd place qualifying effort.  The team struggled during the event but managed a 27th place finish.  "My plan was to allow some of the faster teams around me early on and just settle in before trying to make some moves.  We were doing OK and fell a lap down.  I got pinched into the grass and went for a dirt track ride through the infield!  We didn't tear anything up but lost some momentum and once you are down laps, you're just riding it out so I was making the most of it."

The Texas event was an emotional one for the entire #63 team as rising talent Tony Roper tragically lost his life in 2000 at Texas Motor Speedway while piloting the MB Motorsports' #26 entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
 
Allgaier noted, "I wished that we could have run better for Tony.  That qualifying effort helped us feel good about being here because he is still very important to this entire team and I will take that with me forever.  It was nice to go through the garage and see people like Ron Hornaday have a decal on for Tony - I know it means a lot to Mike (Mittler), all of the guys who worked directly with him and his family to know that people still remember and care.  This sport is a family and I can't thank everyone enough - from the Mittlers, Dave Porter, our hardworking crew and great sponsors including the U.S. Air Force to John Munson, Wayne Auton, the entire NCTS staff, the Roush Racing Ford teams and all of the other teams, drivers and crew who welcomed me."
 
Allgaier has not finalized plans for his 2006 racing season yet but is looking towards a full season in his own Allgaier Motorsports' ARCA RE/MAX ride if funding permits and occasional dirt late model and open wheel events.

When asked if he would return to the NASCAR ranks, he smiled and said, "I have knocked on many doors and plan to keep it up until I get barred from a few places.  My bags are always packed so if there is anyone ever looking for a driver, yes, I'm available!!!"