POTASHNICK POSTS TOP-10 FINISH AT CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY

Source: Michelle Adams
Date: 04/29/2001

FONTANA, Calif. (April 28, 2001) – Sammy Potashnick tallied up another top-10 finish at this weekend's NASCAR Winston West Pontiac Widetrack Grand Prix 200 at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Starting the 200-mile 100-lap event from the 17th starting position, Potashnick surged forward in the No. 65 Lucas Oil Monte Carlo impressively picking off 4 spots in just 5 laps, moving him up to 13th place.

Continuing the tenacious run, Potashnick steadily gained several more positions on the field. By the time the first caution came around, Potashnick was sitting 9th place in the pack. Teamwork paid off for Potashnick and team when a four-tire pit stop was made under the yellow. The SP Racing crew– consisting of Crew Chief Fred Roempler, Engine Builder Jim Watkins, Crewmen Chuck Day, Ben Kierzek, Brandon Cramer, Jake Wood, James Beam, and Jeff Moore– made a great pit stop, putting the 9th-place car back into the field in 5th place.

Potashnick stayed in the top 10 until lap 82 when engine difficulties arose contributing to the loss of two to three seconds per lap. What would have most likely turned out as a 7th- or 8th-place run, ended in a 10th-place finish; however, Potashnick and team were still very positive about the race's outcome and the fact that Potashnick has moved up to 11th place in NASCAR Winston West Series points, just two points out of 10th place.

"We feel pretty content with a top-10 run at Fontana," Potashnick said. "In the few times that we've been here, the California Speedway has definitely never been my favorite track. But this year we came here with good enough equipment, and I was comfortable enough with the track to know that we belonged in the top 10," he added. In addition, Potashnick said, " I want to thank Lucas Oil for standing behind us and the guys on the team for all of their hard work. We were also very fortunate to have Lorin Reineer from Winston Cup team Chip Ganassi Racing spotting for me at this race. His spotting and expertise were definitely an asset to us, and we really appreciate his taking time out of a busy weekend to help us out."

The next event for the Potashnick and the Lucas Oil team will be at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., on May 12 where Potashnick is a former track record holder and pole sitter. Log onto www.Sammy65.com for all updated SP Racing news as well as television coverage updates.

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