JERRY CAIN DISAPPOINTED BUT OPTIMISTIC

THOUSAND OAKS, California -- Jerry Cain and the American International Travel Racing Team left Irwindale Speedway disappointed, but confident, following Saturday night's Irwindale 250 presented by Jan's Towing -- the inaugural NASCAR Winston West Series race at the track.

The frustration of engine failure did not erase the boost the team team received from having a car capable of winning the race -- even though it was the first car out of the event and finished 28th.

Cain qualified in the 7th starting position on Saturday afternoon after increasing his position and speed in each practice session.

Cain was so enthused about his car's potential that before the race on Saturday, he told his crew that the team would leave the track with a solid top-5 finish.

Unfortunately his optimism was short-lived. On lap 4 of the 250 lap event, Cain radioed the crew that there was a problem with the motor and pulled the American International Travel/Forum Marketing Chevrolet Monte Carlo into the infield. The motor had blown and the team was done for the day.

The 28th-place finish dropped had the team dejected after leaving the track. With the help of the high-caliber race cars back at the Cain Motorsports shop in Bakersfield, CA, Cain and the team are confident it won't be long before they will again be in the thick of the points chase.

"We had a strong car all day," said Cain. "Today was going to be a good day for us. Our plan was to ride around for the majority of the race saving our tires for a march to the front in the late stages [of the race]. We've had good cars and been competitive in the races this year. We'll just move on to Monroe and see what we can do there."

The NASCAR Winston West Series will enjoy a month off before heading up north to the Evergreen Speedway. The Coors Light 200 will be held on Saturday, June 18.