NAPA AutoCare 500 Live Report by Ken Fleming

After a drive through Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley, we arrived in Martinsville for Saturday's truck race and Sunday's NAPA AutoCare 500. Talk about scenic countryside and beautiful autumn weather, we had them both for this outing.

We were pleased with our front stretch seats across from the entrance to pit road. My scanner reception was poor with a lot of interference and frequency spillover. As a result, I was unable to pick up much of the Gumout Team communication. This was Derrike's first start at Martinsville this year from having to sit out the spring race due to injuries.

Because of engine problems Friday, Derrike's practice was cut short and he did not make the top 25. It was in the 90's for second round qualifying Saturday and several drivers decided to stand on their previous day's speeds. Derrike turned a 20.54 during second round qualifying and used a provisional for Sunday's race.

Derrike started the race from the 42nd position and was advancing through the pack when the Gumout Pontiac received some right front damage as Derrike avoided DW's turn two spin. Throughout the race it appeared that the Gumout Pontiac was experiencing mechanical problems and made several unscheduled pit stops.

Derrike avoided any major incidents at the track famous for bumping and banging, withstood the extreme heat in the driver compartment, and finished 30th.