NAPA 500 Live Report by Cyndi Price

Destination: Atlanta Motor Speedway

On Friday, I managed to get up at 3 a.m. and was on the road by 5:00. It started out as a beautiful morning but as we crossed the Georgia state line, it started to rain. The temperature was dropping rapidly.

At last we pulled into the speedway at 2.42 p.m. just in time to see the last of the qualifying in which I got to see the Badcock car zoom around the track. Derrike's qualifying effort of 182.039 put him in 35th and was not good enough to make the first round.

The following day I watched as Derrike took his car out for practice laps. I could tell something was wrong with the car because it never seemed to get up to speed and he kept taking his car back into his pits every two or three laps. Later that afternoon, the Badcock team decided not to stand on their time and qualify again. It was not a good decision as the car did not make the field. It was a very disappointing day for the Bobby Allison Motorsports team.

By the time I found the place I needed to be to get in the pits, the Badcock team had already packed up and was in the process of going home. I apologize for missing the opportunity to talk with Derrike or some of the team. Later that afternoon, I ran into some friends of mine that are close to some members of the crew. I was told that they had spoken with the jackman on Monday and he said that they weren't even sure if they would have a car to bring to Atlanta.

The following day there was a parade in which the new SKITTLES® car was previewed. It was exciting to see it drive around the track. They must have had some sort of promotion going on outside the track for the fans because SKITTLES® wrappers were everywhere! And I mean everywhere! I can't wait for the 1997 season.

All and all though, it was a very exciting race and I want to congratulate Terry and Bobby Labonte for a job well done!!