BURLEY, Idaho -- When the Snap-On Tools/Jelly Belly 200, Round 7 of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series thunders into action, Saturday, June 26, Nick Lynch and the Lynch Mob Motorsports crew will be ready for a new challenge.
"This will be the very first time, I have ever competed on a road course," says Lynch, who pilots the No. 29 Mr. Gas/Yerf-Dog Chevrolet. "We tested a few weeks back and it was definitely different from anything I am used to. Doing well is going to be tricky and a whole new challenge. I'm pretty much used to oval tracks with two left turns and Infineon is a very-twisting-turning 1.99-mile road course and each turn is different. However, we have a really strong Chevy, a great crew and I tend to thrive on new challenges. They spur me on to do well and I am banking on a combination of these ingredients, plus a little luck, to get us through the field."
One of the new rising stars in the NASCAR arena, Lynch has high hopes of earning this year's Autometer Rookie of the Year title. "We are currently running in second, just 14 points out of the lead," says Lynch, "and I would really like to win for Mr. Gas and Yerf-Dog. 'With seven races left, I think our chances of hitting our goal are excellent. We been improving at a consistent race and I think we will just continue to get better and better as the season unfolds."
A strong finish this weekend would not only help Lynch in his quest for Rookie of the Year, but would move him up in the overall point standings. "Other than Rookie of the Year, our second goal is to end the season in the top 10," continues Lynch. "But out of all of our races, this is going to be a tough, tough event. Not only will all the top-ranked regulars be there, but a number of Nextel Cup drivers will also be joining the field."
A full contingent of NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series drivers, various top-ranked Nextel competitors, and an extremely challenging course will all add up to make this round one of the most exciting in this year's series.
Qualifying for the 64-Lap, 127.36-mile race will take place on Friday, June 25 at 1:30 PM PDT and race action will get underway on Saturday, June 26 at 1:00 PM. PDT.
