SNOHMISH, Washington -- A delightful spring evening at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington brought out a near capacity crowd to the opening race of the 2003 Season of NASCAR's Elite Series, the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Tour. The fans were on their feet cheering the drivers as they were presented with a exciting night of racing.
A new season, a new paint scheme and after the first race, a new sense of purpose for sophomore Travis Powell and the #87 Powell Motorsports USA team. Powell started the "Big O Tires 125" on the 12th row in his back up car, due to an engine delay in his primary car. Travis steadily worked his way through the field to finish on the lead lap and in a respectable 12th place. The new Hoosier tires proved to be a challenge for everyone however Crew Chief Bill Shaw and Powell devised a set-up that improved while other teams faded as the race progressed. Keeping excellent notes, the team is preparing for the race in Tri-cities April 30th,2003 by transferring the lessons learned in Monroe on Saturday Night to the New primary car and engine. There is only one goal on the minds of the Powell Motorsports USA, to surpass last years 8th place finish.
The next month will see the team fine tuning the primary car for the "Speck & Moore Automotive Group 125" and mentally gearing up for a successful Tour season.
