Brooklyn, MI. (August 19th, 2006) - Qualifying 22nd for the Carfax 250 at Michigan International Speedway, Mike Skinner and the Supercuts team battled a persistent loose condition to finish 29 th in the No. 12 Supercuts Dodge.
Skinner and his team threw everything they could at the No. 12 Dodge during Friday's two practice sessions in an effort to tighten up their race machine.
Despite their efforts, Skinner knew he had his work cut out for him before taking the green flag to start the 125-lap event.
Despite the loose condition, Skinner was able to slowly begin working his way up through the field. The team's struggles would continue as the Supercuts Dodge would made slight contact with the wall knocking in the right side fenders.
A timely caution on lap 19 allowed crew chief Paul Wolfe to call his driver to pit road to assess the right side damage. After a brief assessment by the crew, it was determined the damage was minimal to the right side, needing only a few tugs by the crew to pull the sheet metal off the tire. Skinner would return to the racing surface in 27 th place after receiving four fresh tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment.
The caution flags flew on a regular basis allowing Skinner to bring the No. 12 to pit road three more times before lap 110 for tires and significant chassis adjustments in hopes of tightening up his racecar.
Both Wolfe and his driver soon realized that sticker tires worsened the loose condition that had been plaguing the team throughout the day. A set of scuffed tires tightened up the No. 12 Supercuts Dodge.
"It has to be the tires," radioed Skinner. "I can get in the gas without getting loose now. I'm actually a little tight in believe it or not."
The Supercuts Dodge would take the checkered flag in the 29th position ending what had been a long day for driver and crew.
Skinner and the Supercuts team head to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend as they prepare to do battle at the World's Fastest half-mile. The Food City 250 will be broadcast live on both TNT and PRN Radio starting at 7:45 p.m. ET.
Olympia Steel Buildings is a proud co-sponsor of the No.12 Dodge owned by FitzBradshaw Racing
# posted by Olympia Steel Buildings @ 11:12 AM
