Mechanical Problems Spoil Promising Weekend for Schrader, Brewco Motorsports Yard-Man Team
Hampton, GA (March 20, 2006) -- Ken Schrader and the Brewco Motorsports Yard-Man team were looking forward to racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway after a disappointing weekend in Las Vegas. A top finish was not in the cards, however, as mechanical problems plagued the No. 66 team and resulted in a 37th place showing.
The Nicorette 300 weekend started off slow for Schrader and the Yard-Man team. After multiple adjustments were made during practice, Schrader reported that there was an "unbelievable difference in the way it feels."
Schrader qualified the Yard-Man Ford in the 20th position but had to start from the rear of the field after the Brewco Motorsports team made unapproved adjustments before the race. The team detected a broken jack bolt following qualifying and had to change multiple parts of the Yard-Man Ford Fusion.
When the green flag dropped, Schrader began climbing through the field. He was shown in 31st position when the caution flew on lap 12. When Schrader reported that the Yard-Man Ford was "loose everywhere," crew chief Newt Moore decided to pit for four tires and a track bar adjustment. Immediately after returning to the race track Schrader radioed that "something in the right front broke."
Schrader brought the Yard-Man Ford behind the wall and the Brewco Motorsports team discovered another broken jack bolt. It took 16 laps to complete repairs and when Schrader returned to the track he was shown in 42nd position, 13 laps down. Schrader held steady around the 41st position for the majority of the afternoon although he was running lap times competitive with the leaders.
Multiple late race cautions allowed Schrader to pick up several positions and when the race ended, the Yard-Man Ford Fusion was seen in 37th place, 14 laps down.
"It wasn't the weekend we were hoping for," said crew chief Newt Moore. "We had a good car after happy hour and we were real excited for this race. I like racing at Atlanta and I wish we were able to have more fun with the Yard-Man Ford on Saturday. We'll get this thing figured out and come back for Bristol."
Schrader will return to Brewco Motorsports and the No. 66 Yard-Man Ford Fusion next weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie MINI 300.