Jack Sprague Pulls Off Hat Trick At Daytona

 Daytona Beach, Fla. (February 18, 2007) – In one of the most thrilling victories in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history, driver Jack Sprague pulled off a “hat trick” by taking home his third trophy for Wyler Racing on Friday night.  Sprague drove the No. 60 Con-way Freight Toyota Tundra to Victory Lane in the Chevy Silverado HD 250 at Daytona International Speedway in a dramatic three wide dash to the finish line.  Sprague’s win was the second closest victory in Daytona history and the eighth closest finish in the Series’ record books.

“This is the most awesome win that I've ever been able to accomplish,” said Sprague after climbing from the Con-way Freight Toyota.  “Man, we all worked together,” said Sprague of the drafting help he received from Johnny Benson that propelled him to his 28th career victory and first win at the famed Superspeedway.  “I'm proud of TRD, Toyota, and all the drivers that drive these trucks.  We all worked really well together tonight.”

Sprague had a tough truck all night.  After starting from the pole position, the 30th of his career, Sprague led five times for a total of 16 laps, but the most important lap led came after an exciting six-lap shootout to the checkered flag.  Coming to the checkered flag off turn four, Sprague took the lead over Travis Kvapil after receiving a strong push from Benson.  Sprague and Benson split Kvapil in a three-wide battle across the start/finish line with Sprague taking the win with a mere .031 second margin of victory. 

 “I knew the only place I could make a move and make it stick was coming off of turn four, coming to the checkered flag,” he explained.  “We went through three and I saw Johnny up high.  We got a run off four and he hit me so hard, my teeth fell out,” he said with a laugh.  “It shot me right by him.  As a result, he was able to shoot by Travis barely.  That was pretty cool that Johnny finished second because if it weren't for him hitting me like he did, I would have never won this race.”

Sprague’s win marked the first win for Toyota at the famed Daytona International Speedway.

“It was a combined effort from all the Toyota drivers to win this thing, but I certainly want to thank Tony Furr (Crew Chief) and Jeff and David Wyler (Team Owners) and their families, and Con‑Way, Bicycle, Arctic Cat, D & D, Cintas and Huntington Bank and all of our sponsors,” Sprague continued. 

Sprague’s truck owner, Jeff Wyler, was just as excited about the win.  “The team did a tremendous job this winter to build a truck that could sit on the pole and win the race,” said Wyler.  “Our pit stops were good all night and I can’t say enough about our team, our driver, and our sponsors.  We had a large contingency of guests from Con-way Freight here this weekend and we are really excited that they were there to join us in Victory Lane!”

"Having the leaders at Con-way Freight present for this incredible event was very special," stated David Wyler.  "These folks and all of the Con-way employees have become part of the Wyler Racing family and to be able to share the biggest win in our team history so far was very cool.  We also had representatives from our associate sponsors US Playing Cards and Huntington Bank on hand.  In all, it was just a fantastic race and very special to be able to share this win with these folks who support our racing program."

Sprague won a record-breaking $93,375; the largest purse in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history and also took home the Sunoco Diamond Performance Award for his exciting finish on Friday night.

Sprague and the Wyler Racing team will take the No. 60 Con-way Freight Toyota to the 2-mile oval of California Speedway for Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series running of the San Bernardino County 200.  Live television coverage will be provided by SPEED at 8:30 p.m. ET with radio coverage coming to you live from MRN Radio.