Phoenix, AZ. (Nov. 11, 2006) - The race weekend started out promising for Willie Allen and the No. 14 Family Dollar team after posting a solid qualifying time, the Dodge would end up starting 29th for the ARIZONA.TRAVEL 200.
With 18 laps into the 200-lap race Allen maintained his mid-pack position. He radioed that the car was free off turn two and not wanting to turn. A caution came out one lap later and the No. 14 pitted taking four sticker tires and one round down on the right rear jack bolt.
"The change didn't help the center, I'm still free off both ends of the track," said Allen.
On lap 57 the caution flag came out and the No. 14 came down pit road and took four sticker tires, fuel and two rounds down on the track bar.
Eleven laps later the caution came out again, Allen reported that the car was better but it was taking too long to come in. John Rachels, stand-in crew chief, said, "your lap times are getting better just keep your runs smooth and you'll get it."
During the next set of laps two cautions came out, but the No. 14 stayed out to try and gain track position. Then a caution on lap 103 would bring the Family Dollar Dodge down pit road to take four sticker tires, fuel, one round down on the right rear jack bolt and one pound in each left side tire.
On lap 111 Willie Allen turned his fastest lap of the day, which was only two tenths off the leader.
For the next set of green flag laps Allen radioed that the car wouldn't turn and that it had gotten tight.
By lap 169 a much-needed caution came out and the No. 14 came down pit road and took four scuff tires, one round down in the right rear jack bolt, one pound up in the left front and right rear, rubber out of the left rear and top off of fuel.
A few laps later, Allen radioed that the car wouldn't set or get grip.
On lap 185 the No. 14 drove into turn three too deep and got into the No. 90 car causing both cars to spin. Damage to the front end of the No. 14 would end the race early for the Family Dollar team.
The next race for the No. 14 Family Dollar Dodge is the FORD 300 on Saturday, November 18th at Homestead/Miami Speedway.
Olympia Steel Buildings is a proud co-sponsor of the No.14 Dodge owned by FitzBradshaw Racing
# posted by Olympia Steel Buildings @ 11:40 AM
