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NASCAR BGN Series ACDelco 200 Report: #88, Kevin Schwantz

29 October 1997

 #88 Kevin Schwantz, Ryder Driver Recruiting Chevrolet Monte Carlo
 NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division
 ACDelco 200 Race Report
 North Carolina Motor Speedway
 October 25, 1997

                SCHWANTZ ENDS FIRST TRIP TO THE ROCK EARLY 

ROCKINGHAM, NC - Kevin Schwantz, driving the #88 Ryder Driver Recruiting 
Chevrolet Monte Carlo, had a rough weekend at the North Carolina Motor 
Speedway, better known as "The Rock." Schwantz battled a loose handling car 
during the first practice session on Friday morning, ending up in the wall 
coming out of Turn 2. The crew made the necessary repairs in time for 
Schwantz to take his two laps of qualifying, allowing him to take a 
provisional starting position for the NASCAR Busch Grand National ACDelco 200.

"The crew did a great job putting the car back together for me,"  stated 
Schwantz afterwards. "I know it's hard on them, my being a rookie, but they 
always pull together and get the job done. I'm really proud of them."

After starting in 39th position, Schwantz was running in 35th on the restart 
after the third of eight caution periods. Just as the field was settling 
down, Schwantz and Lyndon Amick tangled bringing out the caution flag again. 
Schwantz ended the day in 38th place. "This sure isn't the way I wanted to 
leave Rockingham," said Schwantz. "I'm disappointed for the crew. They never 
gave up all weekend. We are going to test in Homestead on Tuesday, so we will 
have some experience at the newly reconfigured track. This team won at 
Homestead last year, so I know they are expecting a lot out of me and 
themselves."

Mark Martin lead four of the six Winston Cup drivers across the finish line 
to take the top four spots. Dick Trickle, Ricky Craven and Jeff Burton all 
followed behind Martin to take the second, third and fourth places 
respectively. Mark Martin's win moved him ahead of Jack Ingram as the 
winningest driver in the NASCAR BGN series.  

Randy LaJoie wrapped up the 1997 BGN Championship after Todd Bodine was 
involved in an accident on lap 155, ending his day in 34th place. LaJoie's 
20th place finish gave him enough points to win his second championship in as 
many years.


By Ridling Motorsports Public Relations