USAR: Regan Smith Cayuga race report

Regan Smith Sees Strong Run End Early at Cayuga
USAR ProCup Series Northern Division Driver's Night Ends in an Oil Slick

MOORESVILLE, N.C., (August 27, 2001) -- Regan Smith headed into this past weekend's USAR ProCup Series event at Cayuga Speedway in Ontario, Canada hoping to have a strong showing for his one-race sponsor, Lucas Oil Products. Smith's night, however, would end early as he was caught up in another competitor's misfortune.

After a solid sixth-place qualifying effort, Smith held his No. 28 Lucas Oil Products Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the top 10 during the first half of the 200-lap race. "We were fighting a loose condition with the car during the early stages of the race," Smith said. "I was just holding my line until it was time for a pit stop."

The pit stop that Smith needed came on lap 80. After his pit crew made adjustments to the car, Smith used patience to avoid a 12-car pileup and eventually rocketed into second place by lap 120 and began to set his sights on the leader.

As representatives from Lucas Oil Products cheered their driver on from their corporate suite, Smith radioed his crew on lap 135 that he had lost a cylinder in his engine. Even down a cylinder from his competitors, Smith was able to maintain the second position.

Lap 140 would prove to be the end of Smith's strong showing. A caution was being waved for a competitor's blown engine that was putting oil down on the track. As Smith entered turn three, he found the oil slick and his No. 28 Lucas Oil Products machine was sent into a spin cycle, hitting the wall and causing extensive damage to both the front and rear of the racecar.

"I hate it for everyone at Lucas Oil Products," Smith said. "They have a big plant up there in Ontario and had a suite at the racetrack and had a lot of people supporting this past weekend's effort. While this was just a one-race deal with them, I hope this is a relationship that can continue in the future."

"We had a really strong car and I thought that maybe this was going to be our night, but it wasn't meant to be," Smith added. "All you can do is put it behind you and get ready for the next race."

"I want to thank everyone who supports me, from Diamond Cut Jeans to my entire team," Smith said. "Without their support, none of this would be possible."

-LOP-