Patton, MB Motorsports Look for First Start of '06 NCTS Season at Charlotte

 

It's been an up-and-down season for J.R. Patton and Foristell, Mo.-based NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) team, MB Motorsports.  Both driver and team are more than capable of being competitive, qualifying has been an issue this season.  The most recent bump in the road for Patton and the America's Most Wanted/Dave Porter Truck Sales Ford was qualifying being rained out at Gateway International Raceway, MB Motorsports home track.  Team owner and crew chief Mike Mittler said while it's put a damper on the season, Charlotte is where the season is going to turn around.

 

"I've been in this business too long to be devestated when we don't make the show," said Mittler.  "I hate it for J.R., because he's young and wants to set the world on fire, but racing is all about having patience.  When we miss a race, we go back to the shop, fix what we can, and go from there.

 

"I have a really good feeling about Charlotte," Mittler contiued.  "If you look at J.R.'s record at the mile-and-a-half tracks, he's done very well, including a top-15, lead-lap finish at Vegas.  Charlotte is challenging, but I have no doubt we're not only going to make the show, but we're going to be successful."

 

Patton, a native of New Mexico who currently makes his home in the Charlotte area, is eqaully excited at the prospect racing in the Quaker Steak & Lube 200.  "Adding Lowe’s Motor Speedway to our 2006 race schedule was very exciting," he said.  "After a disappointing homecoming for MB Motorsports at Gateway, due to raining out qualifying, I am excited for MB Motorsports and America’s Most Wanted to make there way to my backyard.

 

“This is going to be a huge week for our team, especially with John Walsh and the rest of the AMW Crew here filming around the Team for the America’s Most Wanted broadcast.”

 

America's Most Wanted, a staple of Saturday-night television on FOX for two decades, will be filming a segment in Charlotte as part of the America’s Most Wanted All Star event and in an effort to find Asha Degree.  Asha disappeared from her home in February 2000 and according to officials, Asha was seen asleep in her bed. But when her family woke up at 6:30 that morning, she was gone. Two witnessess told police they saw Asha walking along Highway 18 at 4 a.m. she disappeared. That was the last sighting of Asha.

 

 

"Cases like this just go to show how NASCAR can be a force for good," said Patton.  "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the missing kids we spotlight on our truck and hopefully, they'll be found safe and reunited with their loved ones. To learn more about Missing Children and Child Safety, please visit the website of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: www.missingkids.com"

 

The team is bringing two trucks to Charlotte for testing and will run the better of the two, said Mittler.  "This test session is going to be important, because the tire compound this weekend is a little harder than we're used to.  But again, we have nothing but faith in J.R. and we know he's going to do well for us this weekend."

 

Mittler also said he is thankful for one of his long-term sponsors, Dave Porter Truck Sales, for continuing to provide much-needed support.  "Dave's been there with us for several years and honestly, I don't think we could do what we do without him.  He's a class guy and not only is he a valued business partner, but he's a great friend and we plan on giving him a great finish Friday night."

 

Associate Sponsors for this race include: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Mittler Brothers Machine and Tool, AFLAC: Missouri East – Dave Fenemor and Child’s Tire.

 

The Quaker Steak & Lube 200 from the Lowe's Motor Speedway will be aired live on the SPEED Channel and MRN Radio at 8:30 p.m. EDT.