Sprague and Chevy Trucks Silverado Team Rebound in California with Strong Third Place Finish

FONTANA, CA – Jack Sprague and the No. 16 Chevy Trucks Silverado team rebounded from their recent string of disappointing finishes to score a strong third place in the American Racing Wheels 200 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) at California Speedway.

Sprague, the only three-time NCTS champion, qualified 14th for the 100-lap/200-mile race and was quiet on the radio the first few laps following the drop of the green flag.

“The first few laps the Chevy Trucks Silverado was a little tight in the center but way loose off the corners,” Sprague explained. “I had my hands full hanging on to it for a few laps it was so loose. I am sure some of the guys around me were going, wow, but as the tires came in, it started to get better. Under the first yellow, Dave (Fuge, team manager), Chris (Showalter, crew chief) and I talked about what we needed to do during our first pit stop to help the tires come in a little faster so we could keep heading toward the front of the field. The guys made great adjustments and we kept going forward. ”

As the race unfolded, the No. 16 crew developed an excellent race strategy and worked diligently on adjustments to keep Sprague moving to the front of the field. Great work by the over-the-wall pit stop crew helped gain positions in the pits as well as the ground Sprague continued to make up on the track.

With ten laps to go, Sprague was running fifth but was one of the fastest trucks on the track. Sprague passed Bobby Hamilton for fourth on lap 92 then made it way past David Starr for third. Although he was gaining on the leaders, Todd Bodine and Ted Musgrave, the laps ran out as Sprague captured his sixth top-five finish of the season.

“Our Chevy Trucks Silverado was awesome at the end of the race,” Sprague continued. “We were a little tight in three and four but we could kill in one and two. Our motor was strong; we had great power. This is a great finish for us. We have had such an up and down season and it is hard cause we finish well or don’t finish so I hope this is the start of finishing good. These guys just never give up.

“It is easy to say that if we had more laps, I think I had something for them but I am happy with third and we will keep building momentum for next season. IWX Racing wants a third championship and I want a fourth one so we will just keep digging and setting the stage for next season. We really didn’t have any close calls all night. I love this place, it is easy to pass and lots of racing room. I am just anxious to keep this streak going and get back to victory lane before the season is over.”

“Our goal is to get good finishes and some more wins to get as high in the top-ten in points as possible,” concluded Sprague. “It has been a frustrating season for all of us but none of us on this IWX Racing Chevy Trucks Silverado team will give up, we are going to keep digging and working to build our momentum for next season. I feel like I am the best I have been in my driving career and I know this team is the best; they have two championships to prove it. We are heading the right direction and that is what is important for next season.”

Next on the 2004 NCTS schedule is the Silverado 350K on October 16, 2004 at Texas Motor Speedway. SPEED TV will provide live television coverage. MRN Radio and XM Satellite Radio will provide live coverage as well. The green flag is set to wave at 2:00 PM EDT.