Mars Gets Shafted!
Milwaukee, WI- After charging through the field with one of the most
impressive runs of the afternoon, Jimmy Mars found his ParkerStores Monte Carlo sitting
powerless at the top of turn two on lap 159.
After further inspection, the team found mechanical problems with the drive shaft. "Apparently, the yolk slid out and the drive shaft dropped out of the car," said Crew Chief, Chris Mars. "The drive shaft really damaged the whole cockpit area. We destroyed the dry sump lines, the brake lines and a lot of sheet metal. Jimmy's actually got a pretty good bruise on his thigh. It would be like putting a piece of tin on your leg and then hitting it with a moll."
The ParkerStores team came back from some electrical problems during qualifications and won the 'Last Chance' race. This put them in the 28th starting position for the Time Warner Cable 200. Jimmy quickly charged through the field and was in the top ten by lap 41. The team did a great job in the pits and was able to keep Jimmy in his original position or better when he pulled back on the track.
"I had to let a few people pass me after the last pit stop," said Jimmy. "The last set of tires took a while to heat up and I didn't want to get in any trouble out there. We were running with the front guys all day and I think we'll be in the hunt shortly. This bad luck has got to end soon."
Mars finished the race in the 28th position, one spot ahead of LaFavre Racing teammate Mike Garvey. Garvey started on the pole, but took his car behind the wall on lap seven when the front left tire exploded. The damaged tire took out several key brake and clutch components, but the Tecumseh crew was able to repair the car and get it back on the track.
The ParkerStore pilot was one of the favorites at the ASA autograph session. "There were a lot of fans that came out for the ASA show, added Jimmy. Many of these fans have followed us on the dirt tracks and wanted to see us run on asphalt. ASA does a great job of getting the fans involved with the drivers before the race. They run a very professional program."
"We can outlast this bad luck," added team owner Scott LaFavre. "Jimmy's shown that he can run with these guys, he just needs a little more seat time. These guys are simply doing awesome!"
The team will repair the damages to the car and be ready for the Miller 300 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this weekend. The race will be televised live by TNN and will air at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
(John Strand-August 30)