Brian Scott Impressive In Country Joe Racing Entry Before Late Race Incident

Topics:  Brian Scott, ARCA RE/MAX 250

Chris Knight
Country Joe Racing
October 8, 2007

TALLADEGA, Alabama (October 8, 2007) - It’s not a secret why Brian Scott was chosen by Country Joe Racing (CJR) to pilot the team’s No. 32 Red Line Oil Dodge Charger last Friday at Talladega Superspeedway.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) rookie rallied back from a disappointing starting position to be in heavy contention in the team’s second ARCA race together before being swept into the “little” big one on lap 72 ending the team’s day.

At the start of the weekend, Scott climbed in for his first real taste of the 2.666-mile speedway. During the first practice session, Scott immediately threw himself into the spotlight after clicking off a time of 51.577 seconds at 185.664 MPH putting the Minnesota organization 12th fastest time during the first practice session.

“We know our car is good in the draft,” said Scott. “It’s a heck of a place here. There’s nothing that remotely describes it. I’m still learning the draft but I’m surrounded by a team that is full of experience which is paying off for me big time. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”

Looking ahead to ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying, Scott drew the first position to qualify which put a little hamper on Scott’s Talladega parade. “Anytime you go out first you’re at a disadvantage I think,” continued Scott. “We’re going to give everything we have and just see what we can drum up.”

During his two lap hustle around the 2.666-mile facility, Scott posted a lap of 53.421 seconds at 179.255 MPH netting the Country Joe team 39th on the qualifying rundown. Not among the guaranteed top-32 starters, Scott would have to fall on a provisional and lineup 34th on the starting grid.

“You can’t always worry about where you are starting at a place like Talladega ,” Scott mentioned. “I’ve learned that from watching the races. I have a good group of guys on pit road and great spotters here in Talladega . I know I’m in good hands.”

Participating in the final practice session leading up to the event, Scott focused on draft trim. For the second time in two days, Scott produced the 12th fastest time at a time of 51.183 seconds at 187.093 MPH. “The car sucks up real good in the draft, we’re going to be just fine,” noted Scott hours before the start of the 22nd event on the season.”

At the start of the ARCA RE/MAX 250, Scott quickly maneuvered his Red Line Oil machine towards the front. Mixing himself in the lead draft, Scott would march his way towards the front and would lock the 20th position by lap 15.

Continuing to be on the prowl, Scott would hold the 13th position when the first caution flag waived approaching lap 30.

Bringing his machine down pit road, the team would execute with right side tires and fuel before sending Scott back into the hunt.

Lining up ninth on the restart, Scott continued to look like a veteran keeping himself tightly in the lead draft. The Boise , Idaho native would continue to hover in the top-10 before the next caution flag waived on lap 53 for an incident involving two machines.

The yellow flag presented another opportunity for the RE/MAX Series teams to head to pit road for what they hoped would be their final pit stop of the event. Scott would bring his Dodge Charger to the attention of the Kevin Cywinski led team for fuel only.

Starting mid-pack, Scott knew he had a machine that could return to the front. What he wasn’t hoping for occurred on lap 72.

As Scott entered turns three and four, Michael McDowell who was running two cars ahead of the No. 32, tire gave way forcing the ARCA leading rookie to lose control of his car slamming right into the path of Scott’s machine. The two made heavy contact before being struck again by the No. 07.

The Country Joe Racing machine came to rest at the bottom of turn four approaching pit road. Scott climbed his machine waiving to the crowd before climbing into the ambulance for the mandatory trip to the infield care center.

Once back in the garage and surveying the damage Scott offered, “First let me say we had a great racecar. The car would work very well in the draft and we definitely had a car that could have finished in the top-10. Nothing I can say about the wreck other than it is disappointing. It doesn’t have to be a mistake by a driver, it can be anything that can take you from contention at Talladega and for us it was a flat tire.”

He continued, “I want to thank Country Joe Racing for the opportunity to race with them at Talladega . I had a blast. I only hope the finish doesn’t hurt them too bad in the owner point standings.”

Nate Thiesse, Director of Operations for Country Joe Racing offered, “Brian did everything he was supposed to do at Talladega . We were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. He did a great job in the draft and he was definitely giving us something to cheer about down on pit road. It’s just a shame we couldn’t finish all 94 laps, I really believe Brian would awarded this team with another top-10 finish.”

Next up for the ARCA RE/MAX Series is the season finale at Toledo Speedway next Sunday, October 14. James Buescher who scored the win for Country Joe Racing earlier this season at USA International Speedway ( Lakeland ) will be back behind the wheel.

For more on Country Joe Racing, please visit CountryJoeRacing.com

For additional input on Brian Scott, please log onto BrianScottRacing.com

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MEDIA CONTACT:
NAME: Chris Knight, County Joe Racing
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: knight849@aol.com