Another new challenge awaits Scott Lynch and the 08 Yerf-Dog/Orleans Dodge at Evergreen Speedway, June 28 in Monroe Washington. Running in the Coors Light 200 presented by NAPA, Round 6 of the NASCAR Grand Nation Division Winston West Series, this race will mark Lynch's first event on the .646-mile oval.
"This year is definitely a learning curve for me," says Lynch. "There are quite a few tracks, I have never run on and that makes those races a real challenge. Luckily for me, we have some expert help from Orleans Racing and their knowledge and experience is invaluable. Not only do we have help from the team, but Brendan Gaughan (2000 and 2001 NASCAR Winston West Champion) give me lots of tips and that is a big plus. He went through the same learning curve in the Craftsman Truck Series, so he knows just what you go through each time you get to a new track."
Currently ranked third in the overall point's battle, Lynch leads the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings. "We've been holding our own so far," says Lynch. "There are still seven races left in the series, so now is the time to start getting some top finishes. We tested at Monroe two weeks ago and things were good. In fact, our Yerf-Dog Dodge was really hooked up. The track is very fast and the racing is definitely going to be close. Our hope is to be able to qualify up in front and stay there. If you are running in front, it is far easier to stay out of trouble and be there at the end."
One of Lynch's strong points is his ability to consistently qualify in the top five. So far this season, he has been there four out of five races, including beating out Winston Cup driver Kenny Schrader at the season-opener in Phoenix for the Pole.
With five races down, there have been five different winners and twenty-three year old Lynch would like to be the sixth. "There are a lot of top drivers in this year's series," says Lynch. "Naturally I would like to etch my name on some of these races. However, our main thrust is to finish off the rest of the season with consecutive top five finishes. Only one rookie has won this series in 49 years and boy would it be awesome to be the second one to do that. While winning is the fastest way to get to the top, being consistent can often win you the title."
Sponsored by Yerf-Dog, the largest manufacturer of karts in the United
States, Lynch is doubly determined to keep their name in front. "Yerf-Dog is one of
the best sponsors anyone could ask for," says Lynch. "They are a top-quality
company and they deserve a top-running race team. We all really appreciate
their support and enthusiasm and running in front is the perfect way to say
thank you to them for all their help."
