Mike Skinner – Toyota Tundra Racing Post Race Report
Race: Quaker Steak and Lube 200 presented by Circle K (Race 6 of 25)
Track: Lowe’s Motor Speedway - Date: Friday, May 18, 2007
Started: First -- Finished: Eighth -- Laps Completed: 136 -- Total Laps: 136 NCTS Points: First
Never having finished higher than 15th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway made Mike Skinner determined to finish inside the top 10. He took a strong No. 5 Toyota Tundra team and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship lead with him as he entered the Concord, N.C., track.
Skinner was somewhat frustrated during the earlier hours of the first practice session Friday morning. Skinner and crew chief Jeff Hensley worked through their Tundra’s problems and rocketed right to the top of the speed chart. After spending the final practice session scuffing tires, Skinner and his crew were ready
for qualifying.
After taking the last two poles at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Skinner wanted to make it three poles in a row at Charlotte and four in a row for 2007. He posted an incredible lap of 29.922 second and captured his third pole position at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
After the green flag waved to begin the 136-lap event, Skinner proceeded to lead the first 11 laps. He reported to the crew that the handling of his Tundra needed to be freed up and was glad indeed when the caution flag flew on lap 38.
Skinner and the rest of the field pitted during the caution, and Skinner’s four-tire stop included an air pressure adjustment. The No. 5 team’s fast work helped Skinner take back the lead.
Skinner led until lap 52, when the handling of his truck became tight. He pitted for four tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment under caution on lap 89. Skinner restarted eighth on lap 93.
He fought what was now an extremely loose truck until the next caution period began on lap 101. He gambled by pitting while most of the field remained on the track. After a four-tire stop with a track bar adjustment, Skinner restarted 21st.
Skinner did what he knows best – drive hard – and he began picking off positions one by one. He succeeded in finishing in the top 10, as he crossed the start/finish line in eighth place when the checkered flag waved.
Skinner leads the Craftsman Truck Series teams into Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Park. The race will be televised live on FOX Saturday, May 26.
