Las Vegas…Driving a perfect race, Brendan Gaughan powered his No. 16 NAPA/Martin Senour Chevy Monte Carlo to victory in the 24 Hour Fitness 150, Round 13 of the 14 Round NASCAR Winston West Series.
"This one is definitely special," said an obviously elated Gaughan. "I finally got a win at my hometown track. It certainly feels good. The Orleans crew really did their stuff. We knew all week just how good our NAPA Chevy was and obviously we proved it tonight."
Gridded in 10th place, Gaughan pulled off the Startline and immediately began his charge through the field. "I screwed up in Qualifying," said Gaughan. "We had been running strong all weekend and then I decided to let one of the guys change out the carburetor. It was a stupid move on my part. Obviously, they shouldn't listen to me. I almost blew up the motor. But luckily for me, everything went well and obviously not qualifying up in front didn't stop me from winning."
Moving up at a constant pace, Gaughan took over the lead in Lap 47. "My spotter Billy Holbrook kept me on the right course the whole time. He called everything just right. It was a totally clean race and we really didn't have a problem the whole time.
Leading laps 47-62, Gaughan pulled into the pits for fuel and four tires. "The pit stop was phenomenal, smiled Gaughan. "The guys had me in and out in a flash."
Regaining the lead by Lap 80, Gaughan held his front position, taking the Checkered Flag with a .866 margin of victory. Page 2
With just one race left in this year's NASCAR Winston West Championship,
Brendan Gaughan and Orleans Racing hold a 40 point lead. "It's all going to
boil down to Irwindale," says Gaughan. "We have won both rounds there so far
this season. We will be using the same car - "Bad Andy" - and it is one mean
machine. We need to finish 7th or better, so our odds are pretty good. And
with our crew, I know the deck is stacked in our favor."
