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02-17-2003
Ronnie Hornaday III Daytona Run Dampened by Clutch Problem
Truckseries.com Report
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Ronnie Hornaday III and the #63 Ford Truck team came to Daytona on a high note. The team had tested well in preparation for Daytona and Ronnie III was chosen to drive the Summer Bay Resort/Dave Porter Truck Sales #63 Ford Truck only a few days before Speedweek began. The week had its challenges however.
Ronnie III had no problem getting comfortable in the truck and had very successful practice sessions. The qualifying run however did not produce the results expected, qualifying 33rd and using a provisional to make the race. During Happy Hour on Wednesday they lost an engine with a burnt piston as the team attempted to find more horsepower. The replacement engine was stronger and allowed the team to concentrate on improving the trucks handling. The #63 Ford Truck started the race in the 35th position. The AC Delco #2 Busch Grand National over-the-wall pit crew provided lightning quick pit stops, allowing Ronnie III to leave pit road several positions higher than when entering. On lap 56, 10 laps after the second pit
stop, the clutch failed, leaving the #63 Ford with a 27th place finish.
"It was great to be back in a truck again," commented Ronnie III. "This 63 team is a great bunch of guys that work hard, but have fun at the same time. We had to overcome some problems this week, but these guys never quit or got down. We were a little short on horsepower, but the truck handled well all week. We were okay when we could stay in the draft. We stayed out of the wrecks, with the help of my 2 spotters, but something in the drive train let go a few laps after half way."
"Ronnie III did a great job for us," stated Mike Mittler, owner and crew chief. "We put him in a tough situation by asking him to drive for us at the last minute, but he had no trouble. We simply outsmarted ourselves this week looking for more horsepower. This was the first provisional we have had to use in over 2 years. But as someone told us - you earned them and that is what they are for when you have unexpected problems."
"Ronnie ran a smart race and stayed out of all the wrecks," continued Mike Mittler. "It was disappointing when the clutch gave up on us on lap 56. We probably could have had a top-15 finish. The truck is in one piece, however, and will require just routine maintenance, which makes it easier to get ready for the next race."
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next race will be at Darlington Raceway on Friday, March 14, 2003.
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