Turkey Derby XXX • November 29 2003

Before a lap was even on the boards disaster struck. After an earlier caution there was either oil or water on the track and all the leaders went for a slide. Unfortunately we were on the outside and got pinched up into the wall after getting plowed into from behind. The right front took the brunt of the hit and tore it up bad. We went off the track on the hook and the real work began. The crew took the time and effort to rebuild the front end to not only work but better than before the wreck. We got out the scales and rescaled the car to improve the handle. We decide to stay in the pits instead of getting back out into the first race. So after starting 10th we were credited with a 21st place finish. Now it was time for segment 2.
   The starting position for the next 2 segments was decided by a pill draw. We drew 18th and knew we had an uphill battle ahead. It wasn't long before we realized how well the repair job was done. The car was a rocked and stuck well on both entry and exit of the corners. Dodging a few wrecks along the way, we kept the sheet metal straight and wound up 5th. An excellent run, but the best was yet to come.
   Segment 3 hit the grid and we drew a 3rd place start. By starting up front we were hungry for one final win in 2003. We battled about 15 laps with the 2nd place runner, but just couldn't get the line to pass. Then on a restart we got a jump on 2nd and made the pass. Only one spot to go! Unfortunately, Jimmy Blewett had other plans and they didn't include getting passed. We fought Jimmy for 20+ laps and couldn't find a way around. By the end of the race the front bumper was all but gone along with the new air box we designed for the Derby. We respect Jimmy and race him the way he races us, so unless he made a mistake, we weren't going to "bump and run" for the lead. So we finished 2nd to Turkey Derby Champ, Jimmy Blewett. Please click any picture below to see the full gallery from the Derby. (Photos: Dave Nale)

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September 20 2003

Feature time and Frank was really excited even starting 11th on the field. At the green flag waived the banging began. After a shaky start, we started moving forward. Around lap 15 he got tagged in the bumper and went for a ride. Luck was on our side, so far, because we didn't hit anything. So we restarted shotgun on the field. Lightning struck again a little past lap 30 when we got pushed into a crash ahead of us and caused some damage. The car was severely toed-out and the lower spindle was bent. Quick work by the crew reset the toe and got us back out. Again starting in the rear we threaded our way back up to 9th when the checkers fell.
   The field was stopped at the start/finish line and driver picked a new starting position. Unfortunately, in the spirit of a 100 lap event we couldn't change tires or repair any damage between the 2 segments. So we had to do the best we could with what we had left. We drew outside pole position which sounds good, but with our crippled car 2nd would prove to be a bad spot. As soon s we went into turn 1 we got freight trained and were unable to get to the inside groove of the track. By the time we got down we were in 7th position. As the race progressed, contact with other cars and first race damage took its toll. The front brakes began fading and caused the rear brakes to grab causing a loose condition. As the laps wound down we found ourselves in a battle for 8th position. We were successful and kept the 8th position. (Photos: Dave Nale)

July 27 2003

When the green fellFrank started in 6th and the car handled great. A few cars got past us on the start because we couldn't get on the bottom of the track. Just a few laps later and the sheet metal started bending. Two cars got together right in front of us, but luckily spun to the outside wall and out of the groove. On the restart we were in 6th and more spinning cars. This time a pair spun to the inside just missing us as we passed by. After that close call, we set our sights on the leaders and began to close in. As the laps wound down the 2nd place car was slower the us, but was handling well and we just could get the pass completed. We crossed the stripe in 3rd position. These pictures were taken throughout the day from heat race to Frank's suprise autograph signing in the stands. KIDS be sure to check out the autograph gallery and see if we caught you behing the wheel of the fantastic #40! (Photos: Dave Nale)

• Click on any picture below to access the autograph session gallery •

June 29 2003

Frank started the race in 10th and almost immediately started playing bumper tag and getting knocked around. Around lap 13 Frank spun out trying to avoid an accident ahead. Luckily the tires and car were OK and he restarted in the back. As Frank came to the green flag the slower cars waved him by and in 3 laps he was up to 6th. The car really handled well on the long runs and we raced in 4th most of the event. On the final lap another car pushed up in Turn 4 coming to the checkers and we grabbed 3rd position. (Photos: Dave Nale)

May 17 2003

Frank was doing well in his heat until a cut tire sent him into the pits. Frank then went out and won the consi by half a lap on his nearest competitor. After starting 18th on the field, Frank hustled to the front to finish 6th. These shots are during the heat and consi events. Pit shots were taken throughout the evening. (Photos: Dave Nale)