Nick Tucker: “I’ve always been a short-tracker, it’s my background”
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Salem, Indiana
Sep 13, 2007
Nick Tucker has been waiting for this return for a long time, 13 races to be exact.
His long wait will come to an end this weekend at Salem Speedway as Tucker is one of over 35 entries filed for Saturday’s Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic by Advance Auto Parts.
Teaming up with Prototype Racing for the 21st event on the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule, Tucker is looking forward to reuniting himself with the demanding half-mile oval after the NASCAR driver delivered a strong run in April’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 by Federated Auto Parts.
After qualifying 12th, Tucker raced hard and near the front until mechanical hiccups tried to evaporate the good day with the Carter-2-Motorsports team persevering in the end with a solid 16th place finish.
Ever since April, Tucker has wanted a rematch and his chance will come in the 79th ARCA event held at the Southern Indiana track. With some updated equipment, a powerful motor and good setup notes, Tucker is thrilled about the opportunity to make his seventh start of the season.
“It seems like it’s been an eternity since I’ve been in a racecar, but I am more than ready to get back behind the wheel this weekend, ” said Tucker, a native of Bremerton, Washington. “We’ve been working hard to prepare for this race over the last couple of months and I think that everything has come together well, we should be a factor Saturday night. ”
When asked to describe Salem Speedway, Tucker advised.
“Salem Speedway, it’s one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. I competed in six races earlier this season and the short tracks of Salem and Winchester really stand out in my mind. I’ve always been a short-tracker, it’s my background. We had a good run going in both races before circumstances out of our control erased a good finish. We’ve worked hard to make sure that mechanical hiccups won’t stand in our way this weekend – I’m just looking forward to getting back in the seat. ”
“The equipment is stout. The Dodge Charger has proven to be a strong piece on the short track before and I guarantee it will be again. I really appreciate everything that Evernham Motorsports has done to help me prepare for this race. The engine is really strong and believe it or not, horsepower can come into play at Salem this weekend and we should have an advantage there. ”
Prototype Racing Dodge, Pioneer Mechanical Contractors, Stirrett Johnsen, Inc., Race City Body Paint & Graphics and Evernham Performance Parts will carry their logos on the No. 67 Dodge this weekend as sponsors of Tucker’s second trip to Salem Speedway. Tucker would also like to give a special thanks to Ron Neal and Evernham Engines.
“Words cannot express how thankful I am for everyone that has help stepped up and sent us into this race. I don’t forget the people who help me. I hope to pay them back by delivering a good run in Saturday night’s race. ”
While this is the finale race scheduled for Tucker this season, the Evernham Motorsports employee is working hard on 2008.
“I’m always working to get in the seat, ” added Tucker. “I think if I can align myself with a good group of people and a great sponsor, we can go out and win races. I’m doing everything I can to put that combo together in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for next year. ”
