El Cajon, CA — NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour regular BRUCE BECHTEL was pleased with his 16th place finish at the NAPA Auto Parts Winter Heat race in Phoenix, AZ last weekend after an unexpected motor change. The weekend started out as planned for the #36 PURE POWER LUBRICANTS, DRIVE TECH RACING SCHOOL Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a previous test at the track several weeks ago. "We tested many combinations and felt comfortable we had a good setup in preparation for the Phoenix race weekend," claimed BECHTEL.
Saturday's practice times for BECHTEL had him in the top 11 for the day and ready to qualify. With a final qualifying time of 27.881, BECHTEL secured an 18th place start on Sunday's grid with a starting field of 42 cars.
But is wasn't until after Saturday's happy hour that crew chief, KEVIN CLARK, found indications that the motor was starting to fail. With NASCAR's approval, the team started the process of changing the motor in attempts to make the race on Sunday. Sunday morning came early, and the team of dedicated crew members, even some of the wives assisted to help get the car on the grid.
During the race, BECHTEL managed to avoid one of the major track altercations in which cars both in front and back of him tangled. Charging hard through the field with a couple of quick pit stops, BECHTEL pulled up to ninth place. It was on the final lap of 100 in turn three when a tangle with another driver cut a left front tire pushing BECHTEL into the wall leaving him limping to the finish line for a 16th place finish.
"I am really proud of my crew. They came together in a pinch and did what had to be done to get the motor in and the car ready for the race. We will see what has to be done to get the car ready to race for the next race at CAJON SPEEDWAY on March 24th," said BECHTEL.
