PHOENIX, Arizona -- After rain shortened practice on Saturday, Lynch Racing’s Mike David, driver of the No. 2 Napa Valley Bennett Lane Winery/InjuryHelpline.com Ford Taurus, qualified eighth on Sunday, January 30, 2005, then flew forward to a fourth place finish for Sunday’s NASCAR Grand National West Series “United Rentals 100” at Phoenix International Speedway.
Crew chief Jerry Baxter said of David’s qualifying effort, “He did a good job in qualifying. I’m proud of him.” The veteran Baxter also serves as crew chief for Michael Waltrip’s Busch Series Aaron’s Dream Machine.
David’s excellent qualifying effort gave him an eighth place start in Sunday’s grid. Pitting on a lap 25 caution, the Lynch Racing crew flew into action to make adjustments to the No. 2 Bennett Lane Winery/InjuryHelpline.com Ford Taurus.
“The car was good,” said David, the 2002 NASCAR Grand National West Series Rookie-of-the-Year. “I probably spent too long passing a couple of cars, but we will take a top five finish.”
David moved into fifth place by lap 87, and took fourth on lap 94, holding onto that position until the checkered flag flew.
“Our goal was a top five and we did better than that with a fourth place finish,” said team owner Randy Lynch. “I am very happy. We will be celebrating with Bennett Lane wine.”
For more information on Napa Valley’s Bennett Lane winery and Lynch
Racing, visit their website at http://www.bennettlane.com.
