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2003

Sirius Satellite Radio 400

June 15, 2003
Brooklyn, MI

 

Pre-Race

Derrike will be going to Michigan and the #37 Chevrolet will have primary sponsor Great Barrier Reef Online, Friendly's Ice Cream Corp. will be an associate sponsor, and NextStudent.com will also be an associate sponsor.

In the first practice, Derrike was 30th fastest of 45 drivers with a time of 38.851 and speed of 185.323.

In qualifying, Derrike produced a lap of 38.632 and speed of 186.374. At the end of the round the #37 Chevrolet was in 35th position where Derrike will start the race.

After qualifying, Derrike said, "We just got some practice. We've had some motor issues and with the weather we've gotten very little practice and had to make some cold-turkey qualifying runs. T&L did a good job with the motor and we made some good decisions on the car, even though the track picked up a lot of grip and we got tight."

In the second practice, Derrike was 43rd fastest with a time of 40.571 and speed of 177.467.

In Happy Hour, Derrike was 39th fastest with a time of 40.889 and speed of 176.086.

The Race

Derrike started the race in 35th position and finished in 40th position with problems in the rear end.

Start Finish Status Money
Won
Laps Laps
Led
Race
Points
Standing
35 40 Engine $48,515 68   43 45

Official Report

Derrike updated us after the race, "For the most part it was very encouraging. We seemed to get the car working pretty well for qualifying trim, but seemed to suffer in race trim. I guess when you put it in perspective, it really is unchartered territory for us. We have yet to really be able to get some full races under our belt to find the needs for the setup. We fought tight the whole day. We were getting the car better, but unfortunately with the engine problem we did not get to make more changes. I think it broke a piston or a connecting rod...we will have to wait and see when we get it out of the car and torn down for evaluation. But, I will have to say this has been a very positive weekend for the whole team. It is a very competitive series and we did a good job overall this weekend. I am proud of my guys and the effort they continue to put forth."

 

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