Pepsi 400 presented by DeVilbiss Live Report by Jim Hartsell

Well, we began our journey to Michigan International Speedway from our trailer on the shores of Lake Erie. We could always count on a 2 to 3 hour backup on Rt. 50 or Rt. 12 on our way to big M.I.S. The track is located out in the middle of nowhere, among the cows, in the middle of Michigan. Two lane roads are the only way in. This year something was different. They made both lanes one way all the way to the track. We didn't sit at all. We arrived two hours before race time. First time ever. Good planning finally by all Michigan personnel.

We did our usual shopping around and settled in our seats, exiting turn four. The pace laps began. Team was worried during pace laps that a lot of fuel was leaking from Derrike's overflow. They decided they just overfilled a little.

The race begins, and a quick caution occurs. Jeff Green rubs the wall. Derrike states, "Doing alright- a little tight- see what the air pressure does". "A little snug in middle, little snug on throttle." Derrike and team then talk about "adding rubber, round bite, track bar adjusting."

The race finally goes green again, when I see smoke and cars spinning down in front of me. Oh no, it can't be. There goes the Gumout car. I hear the team reply, "We need to take the toolbox to the garage." "Get that thing cleaned up quick and get it to the garage." I hear Derrike as he sits after the accident, "gettin hot". Derrike again, "went up to 230, must be somethin wrong with it." "Need a push".

I switched to MRN radio to find out how it happened. Derrike slowed, Sterling hit him. I heard Bobby Labonte complaining that there was oil in turn four before Derrike drove it in there. I wonder if that caused him to slow?. They pushed the car back to the garage and I never saw it again. I saw the Gumout tractor trailer pulling out of the garage area with 60 laps to go. On to Bristol we go. It's about time we win a race.