Watkins Glen, New York (August 8, 2009) – It was a troublesome weekend for the R3 Motorsports’ No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine. Ken Butler was slated to be behind the wheel for Saturday’s Zippo 200 at The Glen but, with Butler’s limited experience on road course tracks and NASCAR’s ban on testing, it was decided that it was in the best interest of the team and sponsor Aaron’s to let the more experienced Chris Cook handle the driving duties. Cook has assisted many top-notch drivers, including Aaron’s own David Reutimann. Unfortunately, Cook wasn’t able to bring home a high finish for the No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine either after an electrical problem relegated the R3 Motorsports Chevrolet to a 31st-place finish.
After qualifying the driver change was made and the team began to get the Aaron’s Dream Machine ready to race. Though the car was running really tight, the team’s strategy at the start of the race was to stay out and wait for a timely caution flag to make adjustments.
Even though the tight condition would make it difficult to turn, Cook would drive the No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine Chevrolet as high as the 15th position during the first 31 laps. “Everything was promising,” said Cook. “These races have a lot of position movement. I knew if I could keep our nose clean it would give the team a great shot to have a solid finish.”
But there was a lingering issue with the Aaron’s Dream Machine. Earlier in the race Cook radioed that the motor seemed flat, and on lap 67 the problem returned when the car stalled in the pits and wouldn’t restart.
The team would be forced to take the Aaron’s Dream Machine to the garage where they would find a master switch burned out, which likely affected the horsepower all race.
The No. 23 Aaron’s Dream Machine would re-enter the race on lap 76, but were down three laps and eventually finished 31st.
Although the finish wasn’t what the young team hoped for when the day started, it was enough to keep them in a locked-in position of 29th in owner’s points heading into Michigan.
“Electrical problems happen to everybody sooner or later,” said a frustrated Cook. “I am grateful to R3 Motorsports and Aaron’s for the opportunity to drive. I wish things had worked out a little bit differently.”
Marcos Ambrose held off a hard-charging Kyle Busch to capture his second straight Watkins Glen victory in the Nationwide Series. Following them across the finish line was Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Ron Fellows.
Ken Butler III will be back in the Aaron’s Dream Machine on Friday, August 21 when the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway. Television coverage for the Food City 250 will be provided by ESPN2 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Aaron’s Sports Marketing Director – Rich Lamprey – 404-915-1683 - Richard.Lamprey@aaronrents.com
R3 Motorsports Media Relations – 704-857-6223 – r3motorsports@hotmail.com