Dr Pepper Racing Finishes 16^th in a Rain Soaked Atlanta

Hampton, GA- Ron Hornaday and the Dr Pepper Racing Team wrapped up a weekend in Atlanta that was filled with rain with a 16^th place finish.  The #26 Dr Pepper Chevy’s positioning throughout most of the day varied from 10^th place to 15^th.  Carroll Racing’s run at Atlanta boosted them one position to 18^th in the Owner Points Standings. 

The early practice session and qualifying attempts were cancelled due to the rain showers that wiped out most of the track activity on Friday.  The Busch Grand National Series was able to salvage about thirty minutes of track time during the Happy Hour practice in the late afternoon before the skies reopened.  The #26 Dr Pepper Chevrolet was designated the 19^th place starting position based on the Owner Points Standings.

The green flag waved and Hornaday initially chose the middle lane to gain a few spots on the start and move his way into 16^th.  The Dr Pepper Chevy worked its way up to 14^th during the first 25 laps that included two early yellow flags.  NASCAR Officials called for a Competition Caution on Lap 25 because of the lack of practice time on Friday.  Hornaday brought the Dr Pepper Chevy down pit road for service by the “Thirst Crew”.  The car was a little tight so a wedge adjustment was made in addition to four new tires and fuel.  Some of the competitors pitted during the first two cautions and remained out on the track this time, therefore the Dr Pepper Chevy returned in 19^th.

Upon the restart on Lap 31, a quick caution waved due to a bit of rain following momentarily.  Racing resumed on Lap 39 and within five laps Hornaday maneuvered his way to 13^th.  The Dr Pepper Chevy’s handling began getting loose in and tight from the middle off and an air pressure adjustment was decided upon when the next yellow flag waved on Lap 61.  The “Thirst Crew” did quick work in getting Hornaday serviced and back out on the track. 

The next run involved 56 green flag laps in which #99 Michael Waltrip dominated the track.  He worked his way through the field and beginning lapping his opponents.  When the yellow came out on Lap 124, there were only 10 cars on the lead lap and Hornaday was the lead driver one lap down.  The hope was for a quick caution that would enable the Dr Pepper Chevy to regain its lost lap, however that caution never came and the Aarrons 312 went green the rest of the way. 

The Dr Pepper Chevy became extremely loose through the last run, however Hornaday was able to hold his position.  He came in on Lap 193 for a quick gas and go.  A few cars tried to make it the distance from Lap 128 on fuel.  Some ran out of gas including the race leader, #87 Joe Nemechek, while a couple made it, including race winner #27 Jamie McMurray.  The Dr Pepper Chevy finished 16^th.

“The Dr Pepper Chevy run good most of the day,” commented Hornaday.  “I had a little bit of handling difficulty on the last run, but for the most part we raced well.  There were a few cars whose motors were just awesome and we didn’t have that horsepower under our hood.  Rockingham has been a great track for this Dr Pepper Team and they always bring a fast hotrod there.  I’m looking forward to getting in that sled next week and finish up front.”

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