GALLEGOS AND RTD MOTORSPORTS LEAD LAPS AT IOWA SPEEDWAY AND PICK UP THIRD-STRAIGHT TOP-TEN

Source: RTD Motorsports
Date: 05/22/2008

North Highlands, Calif. – Mike Gallegos led 31 laps and scored his third straight top-ten finish, in the NASCAR Camping World Series West, in the combination East event at Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA. Gallegos came home ninth out of west series teams and 24th overall.

Gallegos, the 25 year-old Drive for Diversity driver, became the first Drive for Diversity driver to lead laps in a West Series race in the program’s history.

After qualifying 13th out of 54, an early race pit stop dropped Gallegos to the rear. An incident involving Ryan Foster forced Gallegos to pit for repairs.

Assuming the lead through the pit cycle on lap 95, Gallegos was able to maintain the lead spot on old tires. Gallegos drove away from competitors with fresh tires on a restart.

“It was awesome and good for the guys,” Gallegos said. “Finally we were good at the right place at the right time.”

The RTD Motorsports, Inc. Chevrolet, powered by Dave Capriotti Engines, “took the lead and checked out after the pit stop cycle,” said team owner Rob Dixon.

“You just have to be on top of your game and look for an advantage on the restarts,” Gallegos said.”

When the team made its second and final pit stop, an error cost the team important time on the 7/8ths mile Rusty Wallace-designed speedway.

A right rear tire got loose from the team and went across pit road, resulting in a drive-through penalty.

After following the penalty, Gallegos’ car tightened up on the new set of tires and Gallegos was able to soldier home a ninth place finish in the West Series and 24th overall.

“We had some unfortunate luck on pit road,” Gallegos said. “Then the car tightened up quite a bit.”

Gallegos now has earned three straight top-ten finishes and is tenth in the NASCAR Camping World Series West standings.

Now Gallegos and the RTD Motorsports, Inc. team will set their sights on Colorado National Speedway on Saturday June 7th. Gallegos will look to take home-track advantage to victory lane.

Gallegos has already run two Super Late Model races there in 2008.

“We’re definitely capable of running up front and winning there,” Gallegos said. “Getting laps there definitely helps, getting more knowledge of what the track is going to do.”

For Dixon, his career began in Colorado with Rick Carelli. Gallegos began his career in Colorado in Legends cars, and team engine builder Capriotti has been involved in Colorado racing for many years including a stint with NASCAR Sprint Cup team Furniture Row Racing.

“I will be disappointed if we don’t win,” Dixon said. “We’re still in contention for top-five in the points as well.”

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