TIRE PROBLEM RESULTS IN 30TH FOR SCHRADER AT POCONO

Before the 62nd lap at Pocono on Sunday, there was at least the potential of a good finish at the 2.5-mile Pennsylvania tri-oval for Ken Schrader and his Little Debbie team.  It was on lap 62 the left rear tire blew peeling the tread away from the rim wreaking havoc with the brakes and electrical system.

 

When Schrader brought his limping Ford into the team’s pit, it soon became evident that the damage to the car went beyond simply replacing the tire and sending the driver on his way.  The left rear brake line had been cut – that was one problem - and then when Ken attempted to restart the car following repairs to the brake line and quarter panel, there was no power.  The crew pushed the car down pit road in a failed attempt to get it started.  They were forced to push the car back into the #21 pit for further inspection.  The engine finally fired when it was determined the driver needed to try the secondary electrical system. 

 

By that time the 21 was three laps down in 40th.  On going adjustments during the balance of the race gave Ken enough momentum to climb 10 spots in the field before the race ended.

 

Schrader qualified a disappointing 29th.  After he got out of the car he said, “It’s what we ran in practice. We just need it to be a little bit tighter.”  The car stayed too loose all weekend.

 

In spite of the difficulties the driver and team experienced Sunday afternoon, Ken is still 30th in points. 

 

Rookie Denny Hamlin sat on the pole and won the 500-mile event.  Kurt Busch finished second and Tony Stewart was third.

 

Jimmie Johnson remains the NEXTEL Cup Series point leader over Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin.

 

The next event on the schedule will be contested at Michigan International Speedway this coming Sunday, June 18.  The 3M Performance 400 will be televised live on FOX beginning at 1 p.m. with the green flag slated for 1:40 p.m.  The Motor Racing Network will also carry the race live over its network of radio affiliates.

 

Pocono Top-10

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Kurt Busch
3. Tony Stewart
4. Brian Vickers
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Greg Biffle
7. Kasey Kahne
8. Scott Riggs
9. Jeff Burton
10. Jimmie Johnson

   

    30.  Ken Schrader

Point Standings after Pocono

 

1. Jimmie Johnson                       2145
2. Matt Kenseth                         2097
3. Mark Martin                           1907
4. Tony Stewart                          1888
5. Kasey Kahne                         1866
6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.                1850
7. Jeff Burton                             1758
8. Kevin Harvick                        1715
9. Denny Hamlin                         1682
10. Kyle Busch                              1669

   30. Ken Schrader                       1204