Autism Speaks 400

May 31, 2009
Dover, DE

Derrike said, "We are now preparing for Dover, DE where we will attempt to run the Cup car. We are excited to get there to see where we stack up. We need to get to the race track and begin to learn what these cars are going to want. With no testing we have to go to the races to learn. Unfortunatly we are behind all the other teams so I am sure it will be a steep learning curve. I am still optimistic and look forward to the challenge ahead."

In the first practice, Derrike was 46th fastest with a time of 24.118 and speed of 149.266.

In qualifying, Derrike's fastest lap was 24.322 with a speed of 148.014. This was 46th fastest at the end of the round and not fast enough to make the race.

After qualifying Derrike said, "I was not pleased with the outcome at Dover this weekend. We were unable to qualify for the event. The car was very loose and we could not get the feel I was looking for. The bump stop type of limiting of the front end suspension travel, we do not a have a handle on. We will be spending some time on a pull down rig this week to try and better understand our needs before we head off to Pocono to try again.

"Our efforts this weekend were not without some positives. We continue to learn everytime we get the chance to compete. The competition is stiff and they are way ahead of us, but we will continue to try and get better. We are going to take the same car with some modifications to the suspension. I am looking forward to going again this weekend as is the crew. Rick and Del Markle and the entire crew did a good job at the track and we will work hard to get better."