LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (March 19, 2001) Orleans Racing driver Brendan Gaughan captured back to back third place finishes this weekend in Bakersfield! On Saturday, Gaughan raced his No. 62 NAPA/Martin Senour Chevrolet Silverado hard for a thrilling third place finish in the Orchard Supply 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race. Sunday he returned with his No. 16 NAPA/Martin Senour Chevrolet Monte Carlo and seized another third place, this one in the FoodsCo 200 NASCAR Winston West race.
Gaughan proved he is definitely competitive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series. Gaughan led the Bakersfield race for 25 laps before eventual winner and former NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ted Musgrave got by him.
“Shane and my crew really showed these East Coast teams that a West Coast team can be competitive,” said Gaughan. “We’re here to prove that we can do it.”
Gaughan is scheduled to compete in seven Craftsman Truck events this year with sponsorship from NAPA Auto Parts and Martin Senour Automotive Finishes. Additional support comes from The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NAPA Filters, NAPA Belts/Hose and ProLong Super Lubricants.
Gaughan dominated the Winston West race on Sunday, leading the most laps. Frequent communication between driver, crew chief and crew paid off with a car that could win the race. Only a slow leaking tire prevented him from claiming the first place trophy. Gaughan hung on for a third place podium finish and moved from fifteenth to eighth in championship points.
Hopes for a win from Orleans Racing driver NASCAR legend Hershel McGriff faded when a lap 154 crash collected the No. 04 MBNA/Park Corp. car, causing front end damage. The MBNA crew made repairs allowing McGriff to finish the race in 16th position, seven laps down.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck race was televised later that day on ESPN2. The NASCAR Winston West race will be televised on a tape-delay basis on Fox SportsNET in May. For more information about Orleans Racing, visit our websites at www.orleansracing.com and www.hershel-mcgriff.com
