Jiffy Lube 300 Live Report by Jared Martin

Friday
I got to the track at about noon and watched practice and first round qualifying from the garage and pit road. I thought in practice Derrike was running pretty fast. I was timing him with my stop watch and had him at about 12th (I don't know where he was according to NASCAR timing but it was probably close to that because I had the same top ten as them).

During practice Derrike always made short runs, one full lap was the longest he would run. The first three times he came out he came back into the garage without even running a full lap. They made some significant changes and went back out.

First round qualifying was exciting to watch even through Derrike did not make it in the top 25. Rick Mast was first to qualify and his time stuck for awhile but after time past he was left in the dust. Derrike was one of the first to qualify and the position was in the middle at the time. I was happy to see Jeff Gordon get about the same time as his.

Saturday
I arrived at the track at about 9:00 and was in the garage by 9:30. I saw Derrike's team working on the car and then saw Derrike walk up. I asked him how the car was running, and asked if they were going to requalify or not. He said the car was strong coming off the turns and that they would sit on their time because he thought the track would be slower.

At this time I noticed Greg Sacks was suited up and carring a helmet over to the car. I asked Derrike what was going on and he said he was having chest pain and had a blind spot in the corner of his left eye. Greg was going out for a few practice laps to get a feel of the car just in case.

I watched the few cars requalify that were way off the day before, and then watched the Busch North race, Modified race and Happy Hour from on top of Geoff Bodine's hauler (he is good friends with my grandfather). Watching from on top of the hauler is great. You are close to the action, but can still see the whole track.

During Happy Hour Derrike was very fast. I had a scare when I was timing him as he had just put up the best time for him yet (about fifth overall) when smoke started pouring out of the back. All I could think is that they blew an engine, but with about 5 minutes remaining in practice he returned as good as ever so I knew it was not the engine. After Happy Hour I went and talked with Ryan, and he said that there was a pin size hole in one of the fuel lines, and they took care of it. At this time I was in the garage taking pictures when one of the members of Hendrick started screaming at me. I guess they don't like it when you take close-up pictures of the motor. Oh Well.

I met Greg Sacks about now, and asked how Derrike was doing. He said sarcasticly, "TERRIBLE." I said, "What?" "He's terrible, he wants to drive that great car instead of me." Greg went on to say that when he practiced in it the car ran great.

Sunday
I left the hotel at 5:00 and was in the Infield Resteraunt by 5:30 so we made excellent time. We had an hour and half to kill in there since the garage does not open until 7:00. I got to meet many drivers and crew chiefs at this time. I met Ernie Ervin, Ken Schrader, and others. I was with Bob Whitcomb and he knows all these people. Buddy Parrott ended being the most significant person I met. I mentioned how I was going to see my first Winston Cup race from pit road today, and he said well its the best way to see them, oh and you will see the #99 in victory lane. I wished him luck and I guess it worked.

Right before the race started I worked my way down toward Derrike's pit stall, and never left until the checkered flag. First lap Derrike was hit from behind by #21 Michael Waltrip and spun out. I was disappointed but a woman on the team said the car only had a small amount of body damage and would be fine. Michael Waltrip's spotter reported to Derrike's spotter that he was sorry.

Derrike was in dead last on the restart but past 3 cars right off the bat. The #36 car was pretty strong and past every car it came upon for awhile. Derrike's first pit stop under green was fairly good with 4 tires and gas. They added a half round of wedge. The adjustments paid off and the car was faster. Derrike ran side by side with Mike Skinner #31 for about 15 or so laps. Derrike was hanging tight in about lap 25, passing some and being passed by others.

A long stretch of green flags caused another chance to have to pit under green. The SKITTLES® team had an outstanding pit stop. You would have thought they won the race the way the team was jumping up and giving high fives. The stop was very FAST. During the stop they added a full round of wedge, and it also helped. Derrike gained a few spots and ran with the leaders for a short time.

Still no cautions. The teams decided to come in for a splash of fuel. Derrike came in for fuel and got back out in a hurry. Derrike was up with some of the top guys, and ran even with them until the end. Last lap a wreck in turn 4 caused Derrike to scramble around but he got through without incident and finished in 20th.

The team was fairly happy with the finish considering where they came from, and they knew they would get back up to 25th in the points.