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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Dodge California Truckstop 300 Preview: #24, Jack Sprague

8 October 1997

 #24 Jack Sprague, Quaker State Chevrolet
 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
 Dodge California Truckstop 300 Advance
 Mesa Marin Raceway
 
             CONSISTENT SPRAGUE POISED TO GIVE QUAKER STATE A TITLE
   TRUCK LEADER COULD HELP QUAKER STATE TO RARE "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" WITH GORDON

 
BAKERSFIELD, CA - The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship format 
bestows its ultimate award to the circuit's most consistent performer over 
the course of the 26-race season. And while Quaker State/Hendrick Motorsports 
driver Jack Sprague is fueled by a burning desire to win each and every race, 
he understands the benefits of running among the top-5 finishers. Consistency 
is what will carry Sprague to the coveted 1997 title.

Sprague, with 3,350 points to his credit, currently leads Rich Bickle by 77 
points following the Quaker State 4x4 Motor Oil Chevrolet's 5th-place finish 
in the Kragen/Exide 151 Sunday at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, CA. It 
marked the 14th time in 22 events that Sprague has finished in the top-5 
during the 1997 campaign. 

Sprague could help deliver a rare "double-double" to Quaker State, which is 
an associate sponsor for Winston Cup leader Jeff Gordon. Should both drivers 
hang on to win their respective titles, Quaker State would reign supreme on 
two of NASCAR three major circuits. 

"I feel good about where we are, there's no doubt about that," Sprague said. 
"But we've got a lot of work left to do. There will be no letting up on my 
part or any member of this crew. We want to get this thing done for 
ourselves, Quaker State and Hendrick Motorsports."

Bickle had managed to pare Sprague's lead down to just 49 points following 
the Hanes 250 on Sept. 27, but a 12th-place finish on Sunday following an 
incident with Boris Said added 28 points to his deficit. Sprague was to the 
"point" when evaluating his most recent performance in the Quaker State 4x4 
Motor Oil Chevrolet. 

"We did what we had to do for the points," he said. "We finished fifth, that 
isn't too bad. Points are awarded for consistency. There are drivers that 
have won more this year, but they've had worse finishes than me too. It's a 
good system. Do I feel bad? No, that's the way it should be."

So, as the truck series heads to Bakersfield, CA for its next event, the 
Dodge California Truckstop 300 on Sunday, Sprague has a little more breathing 
room. However, he also knows that he can't let up on the throttle if the 
possibility of a championship is to become a reality. 

One question facing Sprague at seemingly every turn involves the possibility 
of him graduating to the Winston Cup circuit next season. But for now, he has 
his sights set solely on the 1997 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. 
After losing out to eventual winner Ron Hornaday last season, the benefits of 
keeping a short-term focus are not lost on Sprague. 

"Right now I'm concentrating on this year and then we'll have to go from 
there," Sprague said. "Winston Cup does not hinge on (a championship). The 
truck title would mean a lot to me, my family and especially my crew. They 
have worked really hard. I think it's only right to focus on the matter on 
hand and let the rest take care of itself. We'll go out these last few races 
and try to do what we always do."

And if you look at Sprague's track record this season, and especially his 
performance down the stretch in '96 when he won the circuit's last two 
events, you know that means consistently being among the best. 

By Muhleman Marketing