MBNA 400

September 21, 1997
Dover, DE

On the tough mile track, Derrike claimed his second and last Winston Cup victory and he now is more than ready to return to victory lane. Running well during the June race on the concrete track of Dover Downs, the SKITTLES® team had hoped for a better finish than 20th, but will seek revenge on the "Monster Mile" this weekend during the 400-lap race.

"The Monster Mile provides some challenges but I've been able to accept those and leave Dover with some decent finishes including a victory," said Derrike. "During our last visit to Dover, we had a few mishaps but still managed to salvage a 20th place finish out of it. During that race we preserved the car and learned something new, so that made it a productive day."

SKITTLES® crew chief Ryan Pemberton, who has been a pit crew member on other teams for numerous years, now has taken on the added responsibility of rear tire carrier for the SKITTLES® team during pit stops. "I missed being a part of the pit action and am excited to be back in the trenches," said Ryan. "I'm real good at it and don't miss a lick."

For the remainder of the Winston Cup season, SKITTLES® will sponsor the NASCAR hour on One-on-One Sports Radio Network. The SKITTLES® Pontiac now will carry the network's logo on the brightly colored side panel. The NASCAR show, hosted by Steve Czaban, is aired weekly every Monday and Friday at 8:30am. One-on-One Sports Network is America's largest 24-hour sports radio network with more than 350 affiliates across the United States and owns radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Derrike ended first round qualifying in 38th position of 43 cars with a time of 24.380 and a speed of 147.662. The team decided to requalify in the second round and this time produced a time of 24.400 with a speed of 147.541. This put the team in the same starting position for the race of 38th.

This is where Derrike was during the race among the 42 cars:

• 34th position - lap 17 of 400
• 32nd - lap 56
• 37th - lap 102
• 33rd - lap 176
• 31st - lap 250
• 36th - lap 255
• 32nd - lap 279

Derrike finished the race in 30th position, 8 laps down. He remained 28th in the point standings.

Dennis DiPietro was at the race and provided a live report.