Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil

November 10, 2002
Phoenix, AZ

Derrike and the #49 BAM Racing team will be in Phoenix this weekend for the Checker Auto Parts 500. Looking forward to this week's race Derrike commented, "We had an excellent test at Phoenix last week which undoubtedly will assist us in preparing for this week. I have always liked Phoenix and have gotten around the race track well." You may recall that Derrike finished second in the fall race at Phoenix in 1995. Derrike continues to improve from the injuries sustained earlier in the season at Richmond. "I continue to improve in every aspect of my recovery and am very pleased with the progress that we have achieved. I really appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, and cards as I have been recuperating. Thanks too for your birthday well wishes," Derrike said.

In Friday's first practice, Derrike was 46th fastest of 51 cars with a time of 27.930 and speed of 128.894. Quest Motor Racing's car driven by Jeff Jefferson was 50th fastest with a time of 28.403 and speed of 126.747.

In qualifying, Derrike produced a lap of 27.959 and speed of 128.760. This was not fast enough to make the race by time so the team used a provisional and Derrike will be starting in 42nd position. Jeff Jefferson did not make the race.

In Happy Hour, Derrike was 42nd fastest with a time of 28.659 and speed of 125.615.

Derrike started the race in 42nd position and finished in 38th position.

Derrike shared some thoughts on their effort at Phoenix, "Obviously things did not go as well for us last Sunday as we had hoped. We could not get a combination that would enable us to run well and as a result the car wouldn't turn. That was compounded by a broken right front shock and then a transmission vibration late in the race." Derrike added, "You have those kind of days in this business."