NEWTON, Iowa (August 11, 2008) - Jack Roush Jr. knew that the August 10
running of the Casey’s General Store Grand-Am KONI Challenge race at
Iowa Speedway would be “crazy” and have a high probability of
incidents. After all, the 1.3-mile, nine-turn stadium road course would
see 43 vehicles competing at the same time on a very short track, and
with the speed differences between the GS class and the slower ST class,
virtually anything could happen.
The Rehagen Racing team had a goal of survival for the No. 59
ROUSH®/Valvoline Mustang, and a sixth place finish in the
two-and-a-half hour event was better than hoped and the second
consecutive Top-10 finish for the team.
Roush qualified the Ford Mustang in 10th position and during his stint
behind the wheel pretty much stayed right where he qualified,
occasionally moving up or down a position but not able to make any major
moves due to the tightness of the racetrack and the number of cars
racing.
Roush moved up into fourth during the first round of pit stops when the
yellow flag flew. He pulled into the pits where the Rehagen Crew threw
on fresh tires, filled the tank with gas, and made a driver change with
Dean Martin climbing behind the wheel.
Martin piloted the No. 59 ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang through to the
checkered flag and was able to avoid the incidents that caused the
yellow flag to fly for three times while he was in the car. He had moved
up into the fourth position, but lost a couple of positions for a late
pit stop for a splash of fuel.
“The racetrack at Iowa is so tight and there really are few spots
where you can make a pass, and with both the GS and ST cars on the track
it gets pretty crowded,” Roush said after the event. “It can get a
little frustrating by not being able to get around some of the other
cars, but you also have to be smart about it. When the emotions start to
control the driver, that’s when problems can arise so I just tried to
keep my cool and make a move only when I was certain I could make it
without getting in an incident or damaging the ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang.
Overall, it was a good day for the team and should help us in the point
standings as well.”
It could be considered a strong day for the Rehagen Racing Mustangs
with all three cars finishing in the Top-10. In addition to the No. 59
ROUSH/Valvoline Mustang coming home sixth, the No. 58 Sunset Hills
Vineyard Mustang with Mike Canney and Hugh Plumb came across the line in
ninth. Finishing 10th was the No. 52 Columbus Truck & Equipment with Ray
Mason and Billy Johnson. All three cars carry the ROUSH 427R™ graphics
scheme.
The next event on the KONI Challenge schedule takes place at
Trois-Rivières, Québec on the tough street course. This event is will
be held on Sunday, August 17.
The No. 59 Ford Mustang, based out of the Rehagen Racing shop in
Livonia, Mich., carries sponsorship from ROUSH Performance and
Valvoline. In 2006, this was the highest-finishing Mustang in the
series.
Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes
place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes
on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced
logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and
F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of
performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information
see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone
toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.
*"ROUSH" is the registered trademark of ROUSH Performance Products,
Inc., or its related entities. “427R” is a trademark of ROUSH
Performance Products, Inc., or its related entities.