A “Rockie” Start For The Rookie Of The Race

Kalispell, Mont (August 10, 2002) - The plans for the Powell Motorsports USA team to start two cars for the Coors Light 125 “Rumble in The Rockies”, started to look doubtful when an unloading delay lead to the team missing the first practice. They worked feverishly, barely getting the second car ready before the end of the last practice but they persevered and both cars made qualifying runs.

above: Travis Powell is awarded NW Series rookie of the race stickers at Kalispell Raceway Park

(PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNN MARZANO-MOORE)

The # 87 Grand Prix of Travis Powell started on the pole for the B Trophy dash but pulled off early with what he thought was a broken rear end but luckily turned out to be a just a stripped drive gear and was quickly replaced.

Powell and the #07 Monte Carlo of Bill Shaw (in his debut Tour race), were both able to take the green flag. Shaw retired early with handling/electrical problems on lap 35 but Travis battled on to finish in 12^th place and winning his third “Rookie of the Race”. 

In an interview after the race Powell reported that “Jeremiah Moore and the rest of the crew, worked their butts off in an outstanding effort to see that both cars made it on the track.”

Travis also expressed “…a heart felt thanks to the fine people of Kalispell for the Royal Treatment received by the men and women of the Raybestos Bakes Northwest Tour.  We truly felt at home, from the outstanding welcome party at the Rainbow Bar and Casino to the spectacular driver introductions before the race.  The fans were extremely friendly and enthusiastic. Most of the teams that we talked to are eagerly looking forward to coming back next year.  The way we were treated by all makes the long haul well worth it.”

The next race for the Northwest tour is Sunday September 1^st in Richland Washington at Tri-City Raceway. You can track your favorite driver at:

www.nascartouring.com/raybestosnwseries  or www.race-fans.net/powellmotorsports

View the Northwest Series on NASCAR.com with Results - Standings & Driver Profiles