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Atlanta All the Time... | More >> | Recap Archives: 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Start - 6th | Competitors - 15| High - 1st | Low - 12th | Finish - 6th | analyzer report
Race Report - November 1st, 2005 - Race 33 of 36

Marietta Georgia is typically a quiet suburb north west of Atlanta but twice a year the roar of NASSCAR engines come to life at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kevin qualified sixth and settled in early behind Stan Nickle and conserved tires through the first fuel run. Atlanta's worn and abrasive surface is harsh on tires and anyone that can get the maximum out of their tires stands to benefit over a long run. Strategy played a role in the race as several drivers decided to short pit but the AMSOIL team gambled on the long run and stayed out. The all important caution did come and Kevin was fortunate to be with the lead pack through much of the race.

A late race caution found the ECI Express sitting in sixth and Kevin rode conservatively on the tail end of the lead draft and watched patiently as the front runners diced for position. With twenty to go it was time to go. Kevin moved to fifth, then fourth then third. Sitting behind Miles Hammrick, it was go time and it appeared that our tires were better then anyone in the front draft. Kevin got a good draft on Miles and charged hard into the third turn. Miles was using a different entry point and Kevin clipped Miles sending him to the fence. The caution came out and everyone regrouped for the run to the finish. Kevin came out in fifth behind Tom Maslyk and was prepared for a thrilling run to the finish.

The race would take a twist however as Tom Maslyk slipped on the restart, and everyone scrambled to get clear. Kevin squeezed between Tom and the wall but the lane closed and everyone piled in. Miles, who just suffered misfortune at the bumper of the AMSOIL Chevy, was dealt another crippling blow as his mount went airborne and flipped down the front straight, landing in the grass. He went from leading much of the race to ruin in just a few short laps.

Kevin was able to recover, duck in to fix the damage and come back out for the final few laps to the finish. Each driver stayed in line on the final circuit and eventually Kevin crossed the line in sixth place.

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Kevin Inglin, the pilot of the AMSOIL Chevy had this to say after the run:

"Well we came away with a sixth place which isn't terrible but I do feel like I let an opportunity slip away. Even worse, I took another out in the aftermath. I feel bad for Miles and it was made even worse when he got caught up in the subsequent crash. I must admit I was in the best position in the season to get a win. I really felt as if I had the best car at the end and seemed faster then Miles. I also saw Stan using his tires to get to the front and while he was leading at the time, I think I could have gotten past him and moved away. In any case, it's silly to speculate now as woulda, coulda, shoulda, won't bring back the opportunity.

As is well documented, I'm not a huge fan of quad oval tracks but I come to each one and give it my all. I guess that's a good philosophy as we're now heading to Texas for another run...

Until next week... "