GLENDORA, CA -- Joe bean puts in another spectacular effort at the ORLEANS 150. His work began Thursday when he rallied the #77 to a time of 33.134 or ninth overall during qualifying.

"I am definitely happy with the setup. The car is fast. I can't wait 'till they drop the green," Joe Bean replied enthusiastically.

On Friday afternoon the team found itself placed in an ominous predicament when NASCAR penalized G.A.T. for missing the driver meeting and subsequently started the team at the back of the pack. Despite this penalty, Mr "B" went out and aggressively worked his way through the field to about 5th place by lap number 80. "I had just settled into a draft with Hornaday when pop.... Coming out of turn 4 I think I ran over something.... My right rear went flat and I spun off into the infield" Mr. Bean explained.

After a quick pit stop to change the flat tire, Mr "B" went out and finished the race 13th overall. "This one was a heartbreak for the team, we had a top 3 car and just had some bad luck roll our way. I am very pleased with the team effort and I am thankful Joe Bean was not hurt as well as the car itself... Things could have been a whole lot worse after that spin coming out of turn 4" Owner Joe Nava professed. Now the team will set its sites on Phoenix and additional testing at Phoenix and Irwindale.

Source: Glendora Auto Tech
Posted: 3/8/99