Gordon Moves Up In Points Despite Engine Trouble
06-14-03




Source:
http://www.truckseries.com/


NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie Championship contender Tina Gordon managed to battle back from numerous mechanical problems and an ill-handling truck to a 22nd place finish in the O'Reilly 400 at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend. While Gordon and her team had high hopes for their first time at the track, they were happy to just bring the truck home in one piece. After qualifying rained out, the No. 31 Microtel Inns/MESCO Metal Buildings Dodge was ready for an 18th position starting spot. Mechanical trouble during practice forced the team to make a motor change and sent them to the rear of the field. Throughout the run, Gordon battled a loose truck and overheating problems, but managed to finish the race. While 22nd was not the desired result, it was enough to keep Gordon in second place in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year race and moved her up from 18th to 17th in driver points for the season. "I enjoyed being able to go to a track I had never been to before, but unfortunately it was a struggle all weekend with mechanical problems that kept us from having a lot of practice time." said Gordon "Having to start at the rear and overcoming several problems, we felt like finishing the race was a great accomplishment for us. To be able to move up one spot in points and maintain our second place spot in rookie points was a good end to a tough weekend for the team." Team Owner Shelly Brevak continued, "Tina fought a loose condition all night. She obviously can only drive the truck as hard as it will let her. Although the finish was not what we had hoped for, we'll take it home in one piece and get them next time."
Steve Keller/TruckSeries.com