LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2001) Fresh off a win at California Speedway, excitement is high as Orleans Racing looks forward to Saturday's NASCAR Winston West Food 4 Less 250. Both Orleans Racing drivers, Brendan Gaughan and Hershel McGriff tested successfully last week in preparation for the May 12th battle on the half-mile Irwindale Speedway. "We tested well in full race trim," said No. 16 NAPA crew chief Shane Wilson. "We hope to do well at the end when it really counts."
"Irwindale has been a great race track for us," said team owner, Bill McAnally. "We've finished in the top five at all three events in 2000. The facility is first class and the fans are great, especially the strong support we receive from NAPA Los Angeles, their manufacturers and customers. "
NAPA, the official parts supplier to Irwindale Speedway, will be in strong attendance at the 250-lap race. At our recent test, we received great support from more than 35 Los Angeles NAPA owners and customers, who came to participate in the Friday test session. For this Saturday's race, NAPA driver Brendan Gaughan, who has won here in the Late Model division, hopes to better his average 2000 Winston West finish of third at Irwindale Speedway with back-to-back wins in the No. 16 NAPA/Martin Senour Chevrolet Monte Carlo. After the first five races in the 2001 season, Gaughan is third in championship points and leads in most money won with $35,175.
NASCAR's great McGriff, driver of the Orleans Racing No. 04 MBNA/Park Corp. Chevrolet Monte Carlo, holds the record for career poles and will be looking to add another to his stat sheet. Just by starting the race, McGriff narrows the gap between himself (223) and current record-holder Bill Schmitt (237) for most races started in the NASCAR Winston West Series. McGriff currently sits 17th in the tight championship points race, only 39 points away from the 10th spot.
The Food 4 Less 250 will be televised on a tape-delay basis on Fox Sports NET. For more information about Orleans Racing, visit our websites at www.orleansracing.com and www.hershel-mcgriff.com.
