I'm stoked for this week's race. We're heading to Memphis - the birthplace of the blues, the home of the king. What's not to like?
Memphis Motorsports Park is a good old fashioned short track. There's going to be a lot of bumping and banging, and a lot of guys knocking each other out of the way, but I'm going to do my best not to get caught up in that. It's easy to lose your temper and lose your focus. That's usually when wrecks happen, so I'm not going to do anything that will risk knocking our fenders off. It's like Dick Trickle said, "If you want to finish first, first you must finish." Hopefully we won't be a part of all the craziness that ensues.
Qualifying is going to be key this weekend. Every winner of a truck race at Memphis has started in the top-10. All but one of the winners have started in the top-five. No matter how good your truck is, it's going to be tough to make up track position. I don't think that will be a problem for the Ergon team, though. Our average starting spot is getting better each week and we should be pretty good in Memphis.
This weekend could be our breakthrough race. We've been close a few times, but haven't quite sealed the deal. With a little bit of luck, this could be our time to shine.
I hope to see all of you at the track. I'll be taking advantage of the barbeque restaurants on Beale St. when I'm in town, so come join me if you're around.
Thanks for your support.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Mitchell Hits Wall Running Fourth
Marc Mitchell was having his best career run and he was trying to run down the leaders. His efforts made his truck push into the wall and slight contact cut his tire. Mitchell forced the caution to come out for his accident.
He restarted in the 21st position and is now working himself back up front with onlny two laps left.
He restarted in the 21st position and is now working himself back up front with onlny two laps left.
Mitchell in Fifth
It's the closing laps and Mitchell has come from 17th to fifth. He's one of the fastest trucks trying to chase down the leaders.
He's passed teammate Kyle Busch and has now passed Colin Braun.
It's one of the most exciting times for the Ergon race team!
There are less than 20 laps left.
He's passed teammate Kyle Busch and has now passed Colin Braun.
It's one of the most exciting times for the Ergon race team!
There are less than 20 laps left.
Justin Marks spins
The caution is out again and that will end any speculation of a fuel mileage race. Justin Marks spun around and that makes the last 41 laps easier on teams.
BUT, now all teams are on pit road to make sure they can make it. An update of where Mitchell will restart will be coming soon.
BUT, now all teams are on pit road to make sure they can make it. An update of where Mitchell will restart will be coming soon.
Mitchell Running 7th
After the pit stop during the caution, Mitchell came out in the fifth spot on the restart. Trucks shuffled around, but now Mitchell is still holding seventh strong. His truck is better, but still a little 'free'.
The team is hoping to make it the rest of the race on gas, but will most likely need another caution to be sure.
The team is hoping to make it the rest of the race on gas, but will most likely need another caution to be sure.
Second Caution After Pit Stops
The caution is out for the second time this afternoon after 48 laps in the books.
Teams has just completed making green flag pit stops. Mitchell was running in the 16th spot when the caution came out.
Mitchell and the team have hit pit road under the caution for adjustments and a quick two-tire stop. That will help the team gain track position for the second-half of today's race.
Teams has just completed making green flag pit stops. Mitchell was running in the 16th spot when the caution came out.
Mitchell and the team have hit pit road under the caution for adjustments and a quick two-tire stop. That will help the team gain track position for the second-half of today's race.
Mitchell Running Loose
The Cool City Customs 200 is under way, and Mitchell's truck is very loose. He was running in the ninth position early, but has since fought the handling of the truck. He has slipt back to just outside the top 15.
There is plenty of time left in the event. The team will have to pit for fuel and will make adjustments then.
There are roughly 26 full-time teams on the track right now. Only the truck of Jack Sprague is a lap off the field of full-time teams. He cut a tire after getting into the truck of Mike Skinner early in the race.
Rookie Scott Speed is leading the event after taking it from Todd Bodine. They have been the only two leaders thus far.
There is plenty of time left in the event. The team will have to pit for fuel and will make adjustments then.
There are roughly 26 full-time teams on the track right now. Only the truck of Jack Sprague is a lap off the field of full-time teams. He cut a tire after getting into the truck of Mike Skinner early in the race.
Rookie Scott Speed is leading the event after taking it from Todd Bodine. They have been the only two leaders thus far.
9th Fastest
Mitchell has just made his lap here at the Michigan International Speedway. He posted the ninth fastest time so far with only 11 trucks left in qualifying.
Mitchell will have another great starting position for the race this afternoon.
A full qualifying report will be posted soon.
The race will be televised live on SPEED Channel this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. eastern.
Mitchell will have another great starting position for the race this afternoon.
A full qualifying report will be posted soon.
The race will be televised live on SPEED Channel this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. eastern.
Qualifying and Race Day For Mitchell and Ergon Team
It's race day for Marc Mitchell and the #15 Ergon race team. First, however, qualifying will start at 10:30 (ET) at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway.
There are 34 trucks ready for qualifying. Mitchell will qualify later in the session. He will be the 24th truck to qualify.
You can check out the home page for news and notes from yesterday's practice session.
Check back today as we'll give you updates on qualifying and have live updates during this afternoon's Cool City Customs 200. Race time is set for 3:00 p.m. eastern.
There are 34 trucks ready for qualifying. Mitchell will qualify later in the session. He will be the 24th truck to qualify.
You can check out the home page for news and notes from yesterday's practice session.
Check back today as we'll give you updates on qualifying and have live updates during this afternoon's Cool City Customs 200. Race time is set for 3:00 p.m. eastern.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Mitchell Finishes 12th
Mitchell finishes 12th. Veteran driver Dennis Setzer just picked off Mitchell on the last lap.
Mitchell had to fight a 'sticky' gas pedal on all the restarts. The truck was much better on longer runs.
Ron Hornaday just had the field covered tonight. He beat Kyle Busch for the win. Johnny Benson was third, Jack Sprague was fourth and Todd Bodine finished fifth.
Mitchell was the highest finishing rookie in the race.
A complete race report will post on the main page soon.
Mitchell had to fight a 'sticky' gas pedal on all the restarts. The truck was much better on longer runs.
Ron Hornaday just had the field covered tonight. He beat Kyle Busch for the win. Johnny Benson was third, Jack Sprague was fourth and Todd Bodine finished fifth.
Mitchell was the highest finishing rookie in the race.
A complete race report will post on the main page soon.
Mitchell Survives Three Wide Move
Mitchell was going for the 10th spot when the outside truck of Mike Skinner hit the wall. That allowed Scott Speed to make it three wide going into Turn Three.
Speed made contact with Mitchell, who saved a half-spin, but Speed went into the wall.
It's a green-white-checkered finish with Mitchell in 11th on the final restart.
Speed made contact with Mitchell, who saved a half-spin, but Speed went into the wall.
It's a green-white-checkered finish with Mitchell in 11th on the final restart.
Mitchell in 13th!
Mithcell is sitting 13th with less than 20 laps to go.
The race is under caution for the 59 and 11 trucks.
Mitchell has sliced through the field from the back. He's now in contention for his first NASCAR top 10!
The race is under caution for the 59 and 11 trucks.
Mitchell has sliced through the field from the back. He's now in contention for his first NASCAR top 10!
Crawford and Speed Together
Rick Crawford and Scott Speed got together and brought out the last caution. They got together coming down the frontstretch. Speed was sent down all the way to pit lane. Crawford cut a tire and put it into the wall in Turn 1.
Mitchell had no problem avoiding the wreck and now sits 16th.
The highest be's been is 12th. There are still 37 laps left as Mitchell looks for his first top 10 of the season.
Mitchell had no problem avoiding the wreck and now sits 16th.
The highest be's been is 12th. There are still 37 laps left as Mitchell looks for his first top 10 of the season.
Restart 22nd
Mitchell will restart 22nd on what might be the final restart of the night. There are 25 laps on the lead lap with 50 laps to go.
Mitchell will have to fight through the traffic to come back up through the field.
Mitchell will have to fight through the traffic to come back up through the field.
Braun In The Wall
Rookie Colin Braun has brought out the latest caution.
Mitchell will come down for his last pit stop. The team will tighten the truck back up and give Mitchell some fresh tires.
Mitchell worked himself back up to the 15th spot before this last caution.
Mitchell will come down for his last pit stop. The team will tighten the truck back up and give Mitchell some fresh tires.
Mitchell worked himself back up to the 15th spot before this last caution.
Mitchell Run Into Wall
On a lap 92 restart, Mitchell was run into the wall by the '99' truck.
The truck brushed the wall, but is still strong.
The team was 13th on the restart and now 21st. He's climbing back up through the field with plenty of time left in the race.
There are 65 laps left and the Ergon truck is still one of the fastest on the track.
The truck brushed the wall, but is still strong.
The team was 13th on the restart and now 21st. He's climbing back up through the field with plenty of time left in the race.
There are 65 laps left and the Ergon truck is still one of the fastest on the track.
Mitchell on The Move!
Mitchell is on the move after the last pit stop. His truck has come to life and he's up to the 13th spot.
He hasn't said a word on the radio.
The race is 80 laps old with Ron Hornday still leading the pack.
He hasn't said a word on the radio.
The race is 80 laps old with Ron Hornday still leading the pack.
Still Fighting Handling
Mitchell is sitting 23rd after just coming off pit road. Teams took adjustments after a spin by Aric Almirola.
Mitchell says the truck just isn't handling like it did in Charlotte when it was one of the fastest trucks. It's still tight.
The team is still making adjustments. Mitchell had been up to 20th.
There are still 103 laps left to make it a good night for the Ergon team.
Mitchell says the truck just isn't handling like it did in Charlotte when it was one of the fastest trucks. It's still tight.
The team is still making adjustments. Mitchell had been up to 20th.
There are still 103 laps left to make it a good night for the Ergon team.
Two Rounds of Wedge
The Ergon team took two rounds of wedge after the teams first pit stop. Mitchell was hoping that might help the truck turn better.
He's up to his highest position of the race on lap 42. He's running 20th.
There are four trucks out of the race and 28 on the lead lap.
Hornday is leading Jack Sprague by .3 seconds.
He's up to his highest position of the race on lap 42. He's running 20th.
There are four trucks out of the race and 28 on the lead lap.
Hornday is leading Jack Sprague by .3 seconds.
Tight Condition for Mitchell
We're 20 laps in and Mitchell says his truck is tight off Turn 2. He can't keep the truck on the bottom like he wants, but Mitchell is still running strong in the 23rd spot.
He's moving his truck to a different groove to see if he can advance forward. Ron Hornaday is leading the field by nearly three seconds.
He's moving his truck to a different groove to see if he can advance forward. Ron Hornaday is leading the field by nearly three seconds.
We're Green in Texas
Good evening Ergon race fans. We're 10 laps in the start of the Sam's Town 400K at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Mitchell is currently in the 23rd position and has been silent on the radio since the start of the race.
The race is young, but the 167-lap affair will practice your patience. You want to go to the front and stay there.
We'll check back in with you once Marc communicates what his truck is doing.
Mitchell is currently in the 23rd position and has been silent on the radio since the start of the race.
The race is young, but the 167-lap affair will practice your patience. You want to go to the front and stay there.
We'll check back in with you once Marc communicates what his truck is doing.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Mitchell Runs Clean Lap
Marc Mitchell has run two clean laps at the Texas Motor Speedway. His qualifying run complete, Mitchell currently sits 18th fastest of the 24 trucks that have qualified.
Check back to the home page for a complete qualifying report soon.
Check back to the home page for a complete qualifying report soon.
Mitchell 17th in Final Practice
Mitchell was 17th in final practice. His truck is getting a lot better. They have been working on the handling, but it's tough to tell if it's the truck or the high winds blowing across the speedway.
Wind gusts have been up to 40 miles per hour at the track today. It's pushing the trucks all around the speedway.
Mitchell is now preparing for tonight's qualifying session. He will be the 19th truck to take a time.
Check back for qualifying updates.
Wind gusts have been up to 40 miles per hour at the track today. It's pushing the trucks all around the speedway.
Mitchell is now preparing for tonight's qualifying session. He will be the 19th truck to take a time.
Check back for qualifying updates.
Mitchell 23rd Fastest
Marc was 23rd fastest at the end of the first practice session. Currently, Mitchell is out on the track for the team's final practice session.
Qualifying is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time.
Mitchell and the team are working on race setup and will most likely concentrate on some qualifying runs later in this session.
Qualifying is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time.
Mitchell and the team are working on race setup and will most likely concentrate on some qualifying runs later in this session.
Qualifying Day
Good afternoon Ergon race fans. Today we're at the fast 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway located just outside the Dallas/Ft. Worth region.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is racing Friday night for their ninth stop on the 2008 schedule.
Mitchell is preparing for his first start at TMS this afternoon. He's currently on the track for the first of two practice sessions. Qualifying is scheduled for later this afternoon.
A total of 35 trucks are entered, but it looks like some trucks will only be running one lap before calling it a night. There are still the heavy hitters ready to do battle tomorrow night.
Check back in a little later and we'll give you the latest on practice times.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is racing Friday night for their ninth stop on the 2008 schedule.
Mitchell is preparing for his first start at TMS this afternoon. He's currently on the track for the first of two practice sessions. Qualifying is scheduled for later this afternoon.
A total of 35 trucks are entered, but it looks like some trucks will only be running one lap before calling it a night. There are still the heavy hitters ready to do battle tomorrow night.
Check back in a little later and we'll give you the latest on practice times.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
New Frontiers
Hey everyone. We’re racing in Texas this week, and even though I’ve never driven there before, I’ve got a good feeling about it. It’s a mile-and-a-half track and the Ergon team has had some stout runs at the intermediate speedways this season. We’ve had strong trucks at Kansas and Charlotte. It looked like we were going to score top-five finishes at each venue, but we had some bad luck take us out of contention. I’m optimistic, though, we’re not going to run into any problems and we’ll get a finish we deserve.
Have ya’ll watched the last few truck races? We’ve had rookies win the last three events. That’s pretty amazing when you stop and think about who’s competing in the Truck Series. You’ve got to pass guys like Ron Hornaday, Jack Sprague, Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner if you want to take the checkered flag. Each one of them is a past champion, and the thought of a rookie beating them is really exciting.
It’s cool to think that the Ergon team has the potential to score the next upset win. Matt Crafton, Donny Lia and Scott Speed won the last three races. We’ve been running up front with those guys all season long. And if they can do it, we can too!
We’ve got a busy month ahead. After Texas, we go to Milwaukee, Michigan and Memphis. My calendar is jam packed until July, but that’s the way I like it. I’m really starting to learn the handling of a truck and getting a feeling for how they’re supposed to drive. These next few weeks help me develop some consistency and are a big help to developing as a driver. You can’t put a price on seat time. I just wish July was as busy as June.
Have ya’ll watched the last few truck races? We’ve had rookies win the last three events. That’s pretty amazing when you stop and think about who’s competing in the Truck Series. You’ve got to pass guys like Ron Hornaday, Jack Sprague, Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner if you want to take the checkered flag. Each one of them is a past champion, and the thought of a rookie beating them is really exciting.
It’s cool to think that the Ergon team has the potential to score the next upset win. Matt Crafton, Donny Lia and Scott Speed won the last three races. We’ve been running up front with those guys all season long. And if they can do it, we can too!
We’ve got a busy month ahead. After Texas, we go to Milwaukee, Michigan and Memphis. My calendar is jam packed until July, but that’s the way I like it. I’m really starting to learn the handling of a truck and getting a feeling for how they’re supposed to drive. These next few weeks help me develop some consistency and are a big help to developing as a driver. You can’t put a price on seat time. I just wish July was as busy as June.
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