BAKERSFIELD, Calfornia -- After Saturday’s Stockton race, the reigning Grand National Division, West Series champion had only one thing on his mind: catching Scott Lynch. Mike Duncan, driver of the Lucas Oil/Ron’s Rear Ends Chevrolet temporarily accepts his place in the 2005 standings (third), but made it perfectly clear that he must make up not only points, but some speed to catch Lynch, the current points leader.
“Lynch was fast, man”, exclaimed Duncan, who finished just behind Lynch in what was described by many in attendance as the cleanest, and best race of the 2005 NASCAR GND, West season. Duncan, who is always racing with the group up front, admitted that towards the latter stages of the race that, “ Every time Lynch came out of the turns he was simply too fast.” Duncan added, “I can’t speak for Mike David, but I know I was really loose (coming out of the turns) trying to stay close to Scott (Lynch) . . . it felt like I was on ice!”
With only four cautions flags during the entire race - and no lead changes - Duncan described the race as the “smoothest” of the season, with regards to traffic and congestion. “Personally, for our team, the race was ‘all right’ . . . but we’re just off a bit,” Duncan lamented. When asked about the overall racing conditions at Stockton, Duncan gave what was probably a mutually-accepted opinion: “Stockton is always a lot of work, and when you get these super fast cars ‘surrounding and hounding’ you, it requires a ton of energy and focus on the entire team’s part.”
Duncan will now rest third in points, just behind Steve Portenga and the leader, Lynch. With a bit of down time until the next race, Mike will take a deep breath and focus on what it takes to grab the lead. “Right now, I feel like our series is one of the best shows in racing, but to stay up in the front is a very big challenge”, Duncan said. He concluded his post race interview with a hint of realism by adding, “No doubt, all teams will be working hard during this break.”
Mike Duncan races his Chevrolet for Lucas Oil and Ron’s Rear Ends, and his Crew Chief is Bill Sedgwick, two-time West champion driver. Sponsorship interests for Mike Duncan can be initiated by contacting Vance Palm @ vpalm@wcoastmail.com .
