Hamilton's Run for a Top Finish in Memphis Cut Short

 With his eyes squarely focused on a strong run in Memphis, McDonald’s driver Bobby Hamilton’s day was cut short by the actions of another driver.  Hamilton, driving a car designed by a patient at nearby St Jude’s Hospital, had his chances for victory ended by a rookie driver. 

The rookie lost his emotions on the track and elected to wreck another car, sending that car hard into the left front of the No. 35 McDonald’s Ford.  The damage was severe to Hamilton’s car, forcing him into the pits for over 60 laps of repairs.  Just a few laps later the rookie was parked for the day by NASCAR after once again wrecking another race car.  For Hamilton and the McDonald’s crew, the penalty was 20 laps to late.

With a magnificent team effort, the repairs were completed to the McDonald’s car and Hamilton returned to complete the race.  He was credited with a 38th place finish.

“Today was disappointing, we got caught up in the actions of someone that had lost their cool on the race track with another driver,” Hamilton said.  “This really hurts our chances to finish fifth in the Busch Series Point’s Championship.  We will rebound and run well the last three races, but it will take a long time to forget the pain of having our day ended early in Memphis.”

David Reutimann captured his first career Busch Series win, holding off Mike Bliss for the victory and famed Elvis Presley trophy.  The Busch Series returns to action on Saturday afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway.