JR Norris, the 2006 NASCAR Elite Division AutoZone Southeast Series Champion, made his first start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Saturday afternoon in the No. 15 Flanders Beef Patties Billy Ballew Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado for the running of the Ram Tough 200 at the Gateway International Raceway. Norris, who has worked for Billy Ballew Motorsports for three years, scored a 16th place finish in the 160 lap event at the 1.25-mile track just outside of St. Louis, Missouri.

Norris, who made an instant impression after being the third fastest driver in the final Craftsman Truck Series practice, placed the No. 15 Flanders Beef Patties Silverado in the 13th place position on the starting grid after posting a time of 34.253 seconds at a speed of 131.375 mph.

After the green flag waved, Norris discovered early that his brakes were spongy and would cause issues for him throughout the evening. Norris charged the turn-three corner hard on lap 16, made slight contact with the No. 09 truck of Joey Clanton after Clanton checked up, sending him up the racetrack. Norris got hard on the brakes to avoid Clanton in his spin, but made additional contact with the No. 09 truck bringing out the first of six caution periods.

"They were checking up in front and I got into the No. 09," Norris said. "My brakes were spongy and I tried to clear him but tapped him. I feel horrible about the contact and I really hate it for Joey (Clanton) and that team."

Norris came down pit road to evaluate the minimal damage to the Billy Ballew Motorsports entry with the crew sending him out with four fresh Good Year tires, a track bar adjustment and fuel.

Norris struggled with being tight in the corners all night trying to adjust his entry and exit of the corners to compensate for the tight conditions and the brake issues that plagued him throughout the 17th race of the 25 race schedule.

Norris, learning every lap he took around the track that has been known to challenge even the most advanced drivers in and off the corners, advanced to his highest position of 12th in his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start. Veteran Billy Ballew Motorsports spotter, Frank Bolter, kept an eye on the young rookie helping him clear his way from his lowest finish of 28th to cross the checkered flag in the 16th place position.

"All of our problems tonight really were a product of the brake issue we were suffering with," Norris said. "I didn't realize how much "air" played into a one-mile track like this one and with the brakes hot in the corners, we had our hands full at times. I have to thank Chris Huff of Flanders Beef Patties and am especially grateful to Billy Ballew for the opportunity to run this race. Together, both the No. 15 and 51 teams were able to accomplish the goal we set out at the beginning of the weekend - to finish and have a top-20 run. We'll take 16th and hope for another opportunity to get behind the wheel."