Avondale, AZ -– Deborah Renshaw, in the No. 8 Heritage Dodge, has her day end in disappointment after a late race incident during the running of the Silverado 150 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Renshaw chased the handling of the Dodge from the start of the weekend and placed the race truck in the 34th position on the starting grid for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event Friday evening. Renshaw would finish the 150 lap race at the Phoenix International Raceway in 31st place position after being involved in a late race accident.
The handling of the BHR2 race truck improved early in the race but getting caught up in traffic eventually lost Renshaw her lead lap status. Renshaw took control of the situation and followed closely to the leaders maneuvering her way through the traffic.
“We struggled after rolling off the truck during practice and qualifying,” Renshaw said. “But I knew once we got into the race we’d be able to work out the kinks. We really found a good groove during the race but got caught up in traffic which forced us to go a lap down. I used the leaders to get through the traffic I that had been holding me up but I wasn’t able to obtain that lap back.”
Renshaw maintained her pace and was looking for a solid finish but during a caution on lap 123 another competitor jockeyed for their restart position, made contact with Renshaw pushing in the nose of the Dodge. This forced the No. 8 DODGE truck down pit road twice for repair to the front end damage.
The team encouraged Deborah to get the best finish she could with the heavily damaged front end. Unfortunately, bad luck continued when with just 19 laps left in the race Renshaw collided with the No. 33 truck of Bobby East who had spun and hit the outside wall in turn-2. The damage ended the night for the disappointed BHR2 team.
“We made big strides tonight in this Heritage Dodge,” Renshaw said. “I learned so much out there tonight. I just hate the end result and especially for this BHR2 team. These guys put together a fast truck and we had tremendous pit stops all night. I hate to see the season be over but we’ve learned so much together this year. It’s been a great experience and I’m looking forward to heading to Homestead for the 2005 finale.”
Renshaw and the rest of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers head to the Homestead - Miami Speedway for the finale of the 2005 season Friday, November 18th. For more information on Deborah Renshaw visit www.DeborahRenshaw.com.
