(September 8, 2006) - The 21st place finish the Family Dollar Dodge was credited with Friday night was no indication of the night Ted Musgrave had at Richmond International Raceway. The veteran piloted the No. 14 to the front more than once, and led 11 laps before front-end damage altered the handling of his racecar. This resulted in a 21st place finish in the Emerson Radio 250.
Musgrave battled a loose condition from the drop of the green flag, yet managed to work his way through the field picking off spots one at a time. With the leaders pitting early in the race, crew chief Ron Otto made the decision to keep his driver out on the racetrack gaining valuable track position. Musgrave would maintain his top-five position until yet another caution on lap 66 allowed him to bring his machine to pit road.
The Family Dollar crew quickly went to work changing four tires, adding fuel and making an air pressure adjustment before returning Musgrave to the track.
Unfortunately Musgrave was penalized for a commitment line violation and was forced to start from the tail end of the longest line.
"Sorry guys," Musgrave radioed. "We'll get it back, it's going to take me some time. I'm just going to save my tires. It'll be okay."
Although still a little free, Musgrave expertly worked his way through the field gaining positions with each lap, returning to the top-20 by lap 105.
Otto once again made the call to stay out during another caution allowing the No. 14 to restart in the 2nd position. With the crew up on the wall cheering, Musgrave took the lead in the Family Dollar Dodge on lap 119.
Musgrave would give up the lead 11 laps later but was able to remain in the top-five until called to pit road for service on lap 148.
Restarting 35th, Musgrave once again fought his way through the field breaking into the top-25 on lap 172. Not without consequences, the Family Dollar Dodge ended up with front-end damage as a result of the battle to the front.
"She's getting a little tight," Musgrave radioed. "I can't get through the corner like I want."
Yet another caution sent the leaders to pit road allowing the No. 14 to regain track position. Once again Musgrave found himself battling for position within the top-five.
The tight condition appeared to worsen as Musgrave fell from the top-10. "The front-end just won't turn anymore, it's way too tight." Musgrave radioed his crew.
Calling his driver to pit road one last time, Otto made the call for fuel, four tires and a chassis adjustment hoping to help the handling of the damaged racecar.
Restarting 26th, Musgrave was able to race his way back up to the 21st position before the checkered flag waved to end the 250-lap event.
"We had a great car tonight, definitely a top-five car for sure." Musgrave stated. This was only my second start in the car, and my first race working with Ron. I think we are making significant progress, getting better and better each time we race. We're gaining on it."
"I got some front-end damage there on one of the restarts," added Musgrave. "It made the car so tight, I just couldn't do anything with it there at the end. All and all I think it was a good night. We led some laps, ran with the leaders, I'm happy."
The NASCAR Busch Series gets a much-needed weekend off before returning to action at Dover International Speedway September 23rd.
Olympia Steel Buildings is a proud co-sponsor of the No.14 Dodge owned by FitzBradshaw Racing
# posted by Olympia Steel Buildings @ 8:23 AM
