Break Needed for Powell in Yakima

Yakima WA (July 21, 2002) Give me a break. That should be the credo for Travis Powell and the Powell Motorsports USA Crew.  After overcoming many obstacles by even getting to the race, Powell lost the front brakes in the Powell Awards and Engraving 2001 Monte Carlo and had to cruise through the last half of the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Tour Race in Yakima, WA last night.

above: Travis Powell putting his back up car through its paces at Yakima Speedway

(photo courtesy of NASCAR)

The crew had to replace the engine, because of a seized oil pump, and repair structural and body damage sustained at last weeks race in Monroe WA.  Both the engine and car would not be ready in time so the engine was put in a back up car, which wasn’t quite finished but they went to the track anyways, determined to make the show.  Once they unloaded the trailer, the crew went at a feverish pace in 90+ degrees heat, to set up the car.  There was silence, praying then adulation as the engine sprang to life for the first time and after some suggestions and patience of the NASCAR Officials the car cleared tech and made it out for the last two practices.

The field was fast.  Even though Powell’s qualifying time was faster than the previous outing at the Yakima track, it was not good enough to move him up in the field. The race got off to a good start but the front brakes became hot and faded; as the race progressed, the rear brakes began to fail as well.  The car extremely difficult to handle but Powell persevered and finished the race intact being the 2^nd highest finishing rookie and only four laps down.

The tired and jubilant crew and driver celebrated a successful run and were already making plans to use the next two weeks to their advantage.  They now have the time needed to have both cars ready for the “Pepsi 125” at South Sound Speedway, Tenino WA on August 3^rd, 2002.

Continue to follow Powell’s quest for the rookie of the rookie of the race in Tenino and the exploits of the team at their web site www.race-fans.net/powellmotorsports or www.nascartouring.com/raybestosnwseries.

source: P.D. Shaw, Powell Motorsports USA

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