Patrick Lawson, from Edwardsville IL, will make his Craftsman Truck Series debut Friday night at the Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) for the Power Stroke Diesel 200. Lawson will be driving a second entry for MB Motorsports, based out of Foristell, Mo. Lawson, a veteran of the Sunoco Super Series and of short tracks around the Midwest such as I-70 Speedway, could very well be the next of a long line of racing prodigies discovered by Mittler. The list includes 1998 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Kenny Irwin, Jr., 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Jamie McMurray, 2003 NCTS Rookie of the Year, Carl Edwards, and his current driver, Chris Wimmer. Lawson will be driving the #26 MB Motorsports Ford Friday night, reviving a number that has special meaning for Lawson and his crew. This was Tony (Ropers) number, he said. Tony and I were good friends and its an honor for me to be the first person to drive that number in the Craftsman Truck Series since we lost him. Im going to do my best to honor his memory Friday night. Also looking forward to the second team is Chris Wimmer, who is the driver for MB Motorsports #63 Ford primary team. Its going to be fun teaming up with Patrick this weekend, said Wimmer. He works next to us in the shop everyday and hes a great guy to have around. Its his first NASCAR start so hes excited and were all excited for him. Its going to be a great weekend for MB Motorsports.(MB Motorsports PR)(8-6-2004)
