SALT LAKE CITY (September 1, 2001) Sitting on top as they entered the NASCAR Winston West Bank One 250 presented by NAPA and Hoosier at Rocky Mountain Raceways, Orleans Racing retained the points lead by 25 points despite going 44 laps down. Brendan Gaughan led the most laps before being involved in an incident that forced the No. 16 NAPA/Martin Senour off the track for repairs. NASCAR legend Hershel McGriff took on the .375-mile track for the first time in his No. 04 MBNA/Park Corp. Chevrolet Monte Carlo, with a season-best sixth place qualifying effort, and finished eighth. Team engine builder Kevin Kroyer also received the $500 Clevite Engine Builder Award for July's Irwindale event.
With NAPA as a race presenter, over 450 NAPA customers, employees and store owners came to cheer on the No. 16 NAPA/Martin Senour Chevrolet Monte Carlo. They were entertained with special hospitality, including catered food and a private autograph session with NAPA-sponsored Brendan Gaughan and MBNA driver Hershel McGriff.
It is rare to find a track that the legendary McGriff has not competed on in his 56-year racing career, which includes over 400 race wins, including 31 in the modern-era Winston West Series.
"The track was good," said McGriff, of his first visit to the track known as "The Rock." "We hope to come back next year, qualify even better and finish in the top five."
McGriff was recently inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in recognition for his dedication and courage in motorsports.
For more information about Orleans Racing, visit our websites at www.orleansracing.com and www.hershel-mcgriff.com.
