RIVERSIDE, California -- Ready to fight the good fight and gain those valuable points, David Gilliland and the MRG Motorsports crew head for Stockton 99 Speedway and Round 4 of the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, Saturday, April 30.
"We definitely have some ground to make up," says Gilliland, who suffered a broken camshaft early on at Phoenix International Raceway, April 21. "The race at Phoenix was certainly a big disappointment, but if you are going to have bad luck, it is far better to have it at the beginning of the season, rather than at the end. We have time to make up the points we lost and are looking to gain some good ground at Stockton. If we can put our No. 88 RaceCarCeilingFans.com Chevy in the top three we will be able to pick up some of the positions we lost."
Making his third appearance at Stockton 99 Speedway, Gilliland's best finish to date was a third place last season. The oldest ¼ mile paved, banked oval west of the Mississippi, Stockton 99 Speedway has been running races for the past 59 years. "It's always neat to go to a track steeped in history," says Gilliland. "It makes you want to do well so you can add your name to the long list of top drivers. But it is a tough little track….really tight and one that requires you to really be on your toes every second. Luckily, there is an open test before the race, so we will have plenty of time to get our Chevy dialed in for both the race and qualifying. One of the important keys to doing well at this track is to be able to grab a top starting spot on the Grid. If you can get out in front early on and stay there, your chances of doing well greatly increase."
Currently ranked in 5th place in the point's chase, Gilliland sits just 58 points out of the lead and 10 points out of third. One of the top contenders in the NASCAR West division today, Gilliland, who earned Rookie of the Year honors last season is well-versed in what it takes to win. "We have what we need," he says with conviction. "A top-running car, a strong motor, a dedicated crew, a terrific sponsor and a terrific team owner. We definitely aren't lacking anything and I think we will do well at Stockton."
Qualifying for the 150 Lap/38 Mile AutoZone Twin Championships presented by Havoline takes place on April 30 at 5:35PM with racers taking the Green Flag at 8:45PM. Live coverage can be seen on HDNet.
