Forbrook, Shepard to stay with Outlaws

By Richard Day

MORGAN, MN (May 2) -- Jeff Shepard will drive Guy Forbrook's #5 Wirtgen Maxim for the rest of the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series' 2001 season, the team announced recently.

"We just got a few people together and got a little more help, and decided to stay out here and run the whole season with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series," Forbrook said. "Stu Murray has really helped us a lot; he does so much for sprint car racing. Millennium Racing helped me out some more and Les Stewart is helping us some, too. It's a joint deal here."

The seven-time Knoxville Raceway champion car owner also said he would like to improve as the season progresses. Shepard has raced into the top 10 in seven "A" Features, including a runner-up run in the Texas Shootout April 7th at Houston Raceway Park.

"We need to get more consistent," Forbrook said. "We need to run in the top five or six every night. We're running ninth in points, but there's about 85 races to go. We're just going to do the best we can."

Shepard is pleased with the opportunity to race a full season with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series for the first time in his career.

"I had this chance once before when I was in Al Hamilton's car, but I got hurt (in 1994)," Shepard said. "That's the only other chance I've had to run with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws. I'm excited about this and I want to make the most of it.

"As far as Guy and me getting along and getting the car set up, we're not far off. Time trials are killing us, but we've made up for it in the features. We've been good on long runs.

"As far as Goodyear tires go, we're on top in the points. I think with summertime coming, we're going to be that much better. We were at the disadvantage in the beginning and a lot of guys jumped ship, but we're going to stick it out with them. They're coming out with some new stuff, so I expect us to be more competitive."

Shepard is expected to contend for the $12,000 first prize when the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series runs a $95,960 event at Nebraska Raceway Park (formerly I-80 Speedway) Friday and Saturday.

-WoO