Andrew "Sparky" Myers, now in his rookie season in the NASCAR Grand National West Series - captured his first Bud Pole Award at Pikes Peak International Raceway last Saturday. Myers placed his #44 Toyota of Escondido Chevy Monte Carlo on the pole with a speed of 131.128 MPH for Sunday's running of the NAPA Auto Parts 150, presented by NAPA Belts & Hoses. Myers joins a short list of drivers to win a Bud Pole Award at PPIR since it was built in 1997. That list includes Mike Wallace, who set the track record with a lap time of 134.108 MPH back in 1999.
Myers dominated the race early with a 20 car advantage. As the laps went on, Myers problems began, and his engine soured. A crash brought out the caution flag at around lap 50, when Myers was battling inside the top 5; pitting under the caution, the #44 came in for fresh tires and fuel. As the race went on, Myers problems continued. NASCAR threw the caution flag for 10 laps due to rain on the track. When the race resumed, so did #44s engine problems as Myers steadily moved to the rear of the field. With just 10 laps to go, Myers' right front tire blew out. The flat tire effected the suspension of the car, further compounding the day's troubles for the #44 team. Despite the litany of problems, Myers was credited with a 14th place finish.
The race between the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders, Myers and the #18 car (Lewis), is getting even hotter. "Sparky" Myers remains 10th in overall in points and second in rookie points behind the #18 car of Lewis. Lewis also suffered motor problems during the NAPA Auto Parts 150, finishing in the 12th spot, just ahead of Myers. Lewis dropped one place in the Grand National West point standings, Myers remains in 10th.
