No. 11 Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Chevrolet

Marc Mitchell Milwaukee Post-Race Report

Date: Saturday, June 23, 2007
Event: AT&T 250
Track: The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, Wis.
Pole Sitter: Aric Almirola, 29.608 sec.
Keller’s Qualifying Position: 31st, 30.606 sec.
Race Winner: Denny Hamlin/Aric Almirola
Keller’s Finishing Position: 20th

Impressive Run for Mitchell and the Ergon Team at Milwaukee

(June 23, 2007) West Allis, Wis. GPg PR – Developmental driver Marc Mitchell made his 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series debut Saturday night at the Milwaukee Mile wheeling the No. 11 Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions Chevy to an impressive 20th place finish.

Mitchell, in just his third ever start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, came into Milwaukee confident in his ability to be a competitive force in the 250-lap event under the lights. With sponsor in place, a little insight from veteran driver Jason Keller and a team with a solid track record Mitchell was ready to make a bold statement and run a quality race.

As the morning practice sessions got under way Mitchell turned some quick laps and posted second in the rookie practice with a speed of 118.565 mph, 30.363 seconds. With minor adjustments in place, Mitchell went on to qualify the No. 11 Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions Chevy in the 31st position later that afternoon.

“The guys did a great job adjusting the car to my driving style. We had a solid qualifying effort and I’m pretty happy with where we are starting. We’re in the field and I know we have a car capable of charging to the front of the field,” explained Mitchell.

Starting mid-field, Mitchell maintained his track position and got a feel for the handling of the race car. As the laps continued the No. 11 Ergon Chevy began to push in the center. When the caution flag waved on lap 29 crew chief Todd Gordon decided to bring Mitchell down pit road for four fresh tires, fuel, an air pressure and track bar adjustment. 

Restarting in the 26th position, Mitchell maneuvered his way through the field and gained a few spots before the handling became a concern again. “The car is pushing in the center again,” remarked Mitchell.

The Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions Chevy would visit pit road six times throughout the course of the evening. Gordon called for several adjustments to help alleviate the handling woes and as the night wore on the condition became less of a concern.

As Mitchell’s comfort level increased, his speeds picked up and he found himself sitting in the 17th position by lap 180. Holding strong and making a final charge to the front, the No. 25 car tapped Mitchell from behind and sent him spinning in turn four. The No. 11 Ergon Chevy was brought down pit road for minor repairs to the rear quarter panel and bumper on lap 244. The damage did not deter Mitchell and he picked up a few spots in the final laps to cross the start/finish line in the 20th position.

“CJM Racing is a top-notch organization and this was an unbelievable opportunity for me work with these guys. Todd (Gordon, crew chief) and I worked really well together.  He put a great setup underneath me.  We had good pit stops.  It was just a solid night for us.  We had a top-15 car, but got turned there at the end. It was still a good night,” sounded Mitchell.

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