Montreal: Brad Coleman race report

Coleman Survives Rain Soaked Race; Driver brings home 21st place finish in Canada

(Montreal, Canada) August 4, 2008 - Being a part of making Nationwide Series history on Saturday, Brad Coleman and the No. 27 Scott Towels Ford Fusion took on rain tires and windshield wipers and went to battle against the elements on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Qualifying in the 9th position and having strong runs during practice sessions, Coleman felt confident in his skills and his car on the 2.7 mile road course.

Weather conditions, however, did throw the entire competitive field for a loop, when the rain began to pour, the Nationwide Series continued to run the Napa Auto Parts 200, the first race ever to be run in the rain. The weather eventually won the battle, shortening the race when the red flag flew and froze the field. Pit strategies and timing ended up playing a critical role in the races' outcome.

"It was an especially tough day because we had a top 10 car I felt like I could put in the top 5," said Coleman. "We had moved up to 7th when is started to rain and had to change tires then all you know what broke loose. My windshield would eventually fog up and I cannot explain what it is like at 150 MPH down a straightaway with a concrete wall and zero vision."

Coleman added gratitude for his crews' efforts at the event.

"I want to take this opportunity to share a heart-felt thanks to my entire crew for doing whatever it took through a rain soaked afternoon to hang in there with me."

Crew chief Shawn Parker knew it would be a tough day when the rain came.

"The weather did throw us for a loop," said Shawn Parker, crew chief. "We had a good car out there today in the No. 27 Scott Towels Ford. But, throw in rain and it brings about new scenarios that we weren't quite sure how Brad, the car or our equipment would react. The team did what they could with the situation and we are all hoping for sunny skies next weekend at Watkins Glen."

After a 21st place finish in Montreal, the Baker Curb team will be back in action Saturday afternoon at Watkins Glen for the third road course race of the season.

-credit: bc