Harmon Soliders To Top-25 In Michigan

Topics:  Mike Harmon, Michigan ARCA 200

Chris Knight
Richardson-Netzloff-Harmon Racing
June 18, 2007

“Harmon Recovers From Poor ’06 Efforts”

BROOKLYN, Michigan (June 18, 2007) - - One lap. Those two words kept ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran Mike Harmon from remaining on the lead lap and scoring another top-20 finish on Friday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway.

Harmon, driving the No. 38 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS overcame overheating issues to award the driver with his best Michigan finish in two years.

The weekend started off solid for Harmon and his Richardson-Netzloff-Harmon Racing team. After netting the 30th position during the single practice effort of the day, his 41.550 seconds or 173.285 MPH lap time, Harmon knew he had a car capable of adapting well to changes.

“We’re decent,” Harmon offered following practice. “To unload as strong as we did a testament to everyone’s hard work with a limited budget. Everyone is doing everything they can to keep this team on the go. A good run will keep that streak going.”

In ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying, Harmon picked up the pace maneuvering his automobile around the Irish Hills based track with a time of 41.180 second at 174.842 MPH locking him 30th on the starting grid.

“This is a tough field to make, the competition is stout. I know a 30th place qualifying effort is nothing to sneeze about, but to overcome the challenges we’ve overcome this season and this weekend, I’m a happy driver.”

Harmon known for his smart driving style knew he had the capabilities of moving his machine through the field. He didn’t disappoint.

Quickly but patiently moving himself through the field, Harmon was on a mission. Continuing to move through the pack one position at a time, Harmon found himself in just outside the top-20 when overheating problems began to arise.

Harmon radioed to his crew that the motor temperature had begun to rise and he needed to pit and cool it down. A lap later under caution, Harmon would bring his Siding Wizard Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the attentiveness of his crew. The team was able to save the motor and bring the temperature down to suitable racing conditions.

Unfortunately, the damage had been done. As Harmon exited the pit lane, the pace car had overtaken the Alabama native taking him off the lead circuit.

Despite several attempts to gain the lost lap, Harmon gave a gallant effort but came up short. Harmon would bring his Siding Wizard machine home in the 23rd position.

“First, I want to say thanks to Siding Wizard for stepping up to the plate and helping us out this weekend, we all really appreciate it. We had a good run going but the motor got hot and we didn’t want to cook it. We need this motor for the rest of the year. The good news is that we didn’t hurt and we’ll be able to use it later this season, I was just hoping for a better run.”

“The pace was fast and furious which doesn’t surprise me at MIS. Sure we had some cautions, but when the field got going they acted like it was the last lap. It’s the type of racing the fans come here to see in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. We turned our MIS bad luck around, so I’m happy with that. The guys did a fabulous job in the pits today, I thank them for that.”

Richardson-Netzloff-Harmon Racing also announced at Michigan International Speedway the addition of Shannon Feldmann to their organization. Feldmann will assist in race day activities and the marketing arena. Her dedication to Harmon makes her a great asset to the junior year team.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series will enjoy a two-week break from competition before returning to Michigan for a battle at Berlin Raceway in Marne , Michigan just outside of Grand Rapids on July 7.

“I can’t wait to go back to Berlin ,” Harmon sounded. “It’s one of my favorite places to go on the schedule and we run well there. We had a good run there last year and had some bad luck. That’s not going to happen this year.”

Harmon won’t be able to enjoy the next weekends off though as he’ll head to The Milwaukee Mile this Saturday to compete in the NASCAR Busch Series race behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

NAME: Chris Knight, Richardson-Netzloff-Harmon Racing
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: knight849@aol.com