IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #28 Team: Ricky Rudd, driver of the #28 Havoline Ford, overcame a two-lap deficit early in Sunday’s Old Dominion 500 at Martinsville Speedway to finish third, helping to earn crew chief Michael McSwain this week’ s IRWIN “Rough to the Finish” award. The No. 28 team suffered an early setback Sunday, cutting a tire in the first ten laps of the race. After falling two laps down due to the incident, the next few caution flags fell in the team’s favor, and they were able to gain back both laps by lap 150. From that point on, the name of the game was track position. Rudd quickly raced into the top-10, climbing to third position, but troubles exiting pit road in good position throughout the second half of the race would eventually take the team out of contention. “Unfortunately, track position really cost us the win today,” said McSwain. “We suffered a bit of bad luck early, but this team fought back and had a shot at the win in the end. My hat’s off to all the guys in the pits. This award is a credit to their hard work and determination.” 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)(10-24-2002)
