Newton, Iowa (Aug. 1, 2009) – Heading into the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway Ken Butler III had a great deal of confidence in his No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine and his R3 Motorsports team. With previous success at the track, including a seventh-place finish in a 2008 ARCA race, Butler looked to take advantage of his experience in Saturday’s U.S. Cellular 250. Unfortunately, Butler was involved in a wreck on lap 109 which left the No. 23 car unable to finish the race and the driver with a disappointing 33rd-place finish.
The week started off strong with an open test for all Nationwide Series teams on Thursday. Because this was the first Nationwide event at Iowa Speedway, NASCAR gave all the teams plenty of track time to shake down their cars. The No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine was consistent throughout practice, posting solid times and running in the middle of the pack. After a few more changes in practice on Friday the car was dialed-in and ready to race.
With the more than 70,000 people packed into the standing-room-only grandstands to see the sold-out event, Butler was excited to take the green flag. Starting in the 23rd qualifying position, No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine was strong through the first 100 laps, making only two pit stops under caution for slight changes in air pressure and track bar adjustments. Butler looked well on his way to a top-20 finish.
On lap 109, while running 19th, the No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine was caught up in an accident that took three cars out of the race. The No. 62 car of Brendon Gaughan, running directly in front of Butler, cut a tire and spun in middle of the track. Butler moved to the high side of the track to miss the contact, but the collision was unavoidable. The No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine was clipped in left rear by Gaughan, causing him to spin and hit the wall. The heavy damage to the chassis forced Butler to take his car into the garage, where he ultimately finished 33rd.
“Well, I guess the numbers just didn't line-up for us today,” said Butler. “What should have been a strong weekend for the team ended in disappointment, but we’ll head back to the shop in North Carolina and prepare for next weekend’s race in Watkins Glen.”
Brad Keselowski won the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by Northland Oil and TMC scoring his fourth Nationwide Series victory and his first at Iowa Speedway. Kyle Busch, Jason Leffler, Carl Edwards and Kelly Bires round out the top-five.
Next week Ken Butler III will be behind the wheel of the No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine in his first ever road course at Watkins Glen International. ESPN2 will provide television coverage of the Zippo 200, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 8.
Aaron’s Sports Marketing Director – Rich Lamprey – 404-915-1683 - Richard.Lamprey@aaronrents.com
R3 Motorsports Media Relations – 704-857-6223 – r3motorsports@hotmail.com