IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #26 Team: Todd Bodine, driver of the No. 26 Discover Card Ford, battled back after an early spin to finish fifth in Saturday night’s Chevy Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway, helping to earn crew chief Donnie Wingo this week’ s IRWIN “Rough to the Finish” Award. The early bad break for the team happened on lap 16 when former Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte clipped Bodine, causing both cars to spin. Despite sheet metal damage near the right front tire, Bodine was able to keep going until a caution flag came out a few laps later. Under caution, Wingo called the No. 26 in to have the sheet metal pulled out, along with taking on four fresh tires and fuel. Bodine was forced to take the green flag on lap 24 in 35th position. By lap 200, Bodine rebounded back into the top 20, and within 40 laps, he was racing just shy of the top 10. With fuel mileage becoming an issue, Wingo urged Bodine to coast whenever possible to conserve fuel. Thanks to Wingo’s great advice and great pit stops all night, Bodine crossed the finish line in fifth place, just as he ran out of gas. “It was a great run for the Discover Card Ford,” said Wingo. “We’ve had some really bad luck due to no fault of our own early, but this time we had lady luck on our side in the end. These guys did a great job in the pits all day, and Todd drove a great race. This award is a credit to the entire team’s effort tonight.” Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, Irwin, makers of professional power tool accessories like Marathon Plus saw blades and Speedbor flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief who had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish. The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team’s name.. The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.. Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338. In addition to the crew chief award, Irwin is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, “Fast Talk with Benny Parsons”, throughout the upcoming year.(Golin Harris PR)(9-12-2002) (9-11-2002)
