Loudon, NH (Sept. 21, 2009) — After moving to a back-up truck following an early incident in Friday’s first practice session, J. R. Fitzpatrick and the No. 4 Equipment Express team battled back to finish 18th in the Heluva Good 200.
The Cambridge, Ontario native took the green flag from the 24th position and quickly began to find a good line around the 1.058 oval. With constant help throughout the race from crew chief John Monsam and spotter Andy Houston, Fitzpatrick started to get into a nice groove, which showed as he ran his fastest time of the race on lap 116.
A long green-flag run late in the race gave Fitzpatrick the opportunity to come down pit road with 37 laps remaining for fuel. With a great green-flag pit stop Fitzpatrick cycled back around into the 20th position when the caution flag waved for debris. Monsam, Houston and Fitzpatrick agreed to stay out to try and gain a few more positions under caution.
Restarting in the 19th position with seven laps to go, the 21-year-old driver found himself in a side-by-side battle with Timothy Peters, which he eventually won, crossing the finish line in the 18th position.
“I have to thank everyone on this team for all their hard work throughout the weekend,” said Fitzpatrick following the 200-lap event. “After pulling out the back up, I am just glad we brought this one back in one piece.”
Kyle Busch went on to win the Heluva Good! 200. Fitzpatrick’s KHI teammates Ron Hornaday and Kevin Harvick finished second and third respectively.
STATS RECAP
Race Info
September 19, 2009
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Race: 18 of 25
Driver: J.R. Fitzpatrick
Started: 24th
Finished: 18th
Race length: 200 Laps/ 211.6 Miles
Track layout: 1.058-miles
Shape: Oval
Next on the Truck Series Schedule:
Date: September 26, 2009
Track: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Event Name: Las Vegas 350
Driver: Ricky Carmichael
Sponsor: Monster Energy
Broadcast Time: SPEED 9:00 p.m., EST MRN 9:00 p.m., EST