GILBERTSON TO SKIP LAS VEGAS RACE
Mon, 2007-04-09 11:48
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race
on the NHRA schedule, this weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals in Las
Vegas.
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race on the NHRA schedule, this weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.
Gilbertson, who is currently ninth in the NHRA POWERade points standings, regrets having to miss the race but was forced to make that decision due to budget restraints, availability of parts and the cost of having to travel to the west coast for a single event.
"This was the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my racing career," Gilbertson said. "There are a few factors that figured into the equation. First off the new diesel engine emissions law that was implemented January 1, 2007 has had a direct impact on our racing budget. Freightliner, the largest truck manufacturer in the world, is one of my company's biggest customers, we supply them with air tanks and they've seen their sales drop off 40% and they've laid off over 6,000 people so far and with that, the demand for air tanks has dropped like a rock. They don't expect sales to improve until the fourth quarter and look to increase production then and into 2008."
"Secondly availability of parts is an issue," Gilbertson added. "Essential parts such as cranks, rods and blocks are on back order due to the buying power of the multi-car teams. Last but not least is the huge expense of traveling 2,500 miles for just one race then have to travel back to the east coast for the next race at Atlanta. With the ever increasing cost of diesel fuel and lodging in Las Vegas the costs of getting the team out there would be outrageous."
"I regret having to do this as being in the top ten is a big deal to me and my team but it's decision I had to make. We will re-join the NHRA tour at Atlanta and I want to apologize to all my sponsors and fans who support this team and wanted to see us in Vegas but it's something I just had to do."
Gilbertson, who is currently ninth in the NHRA POWERade points standings, regrets having to miss the race but was forced to make that decision due to budget restraints, availability of parts and the cost of having to travel to the west coast for a single event.
"This was the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my racing career," Gilbertson said. "There are a few factors that figured into the equation. First off the new diesel engine emissions law that was implemented January 1, 2007 has had a direct impact on our racing budget. Freightliner, the largest truck manufacturer in the world, is one of my company's biggest customers, we supply them with air tanks and they've seen their sales drop off 40% and they've laid off over 6,000 people so far and with that, the demand for air tanks has dropped like a rock. They don't expect sales to improve until the fourth quarter and look to increase production then and into 2008."
"Secondly availability of parts is an issue," Gilbertson added. "Essential parts such as cranks, rods and blocks are on back order due to the buying power of the multi-car teams. Last but not least is the huge expense of traveling 2,500 miles for just one race then have to travel back to the east coast for the next race at Atlanta. With the ever increasing cost of diesel fuel and lodging in Las Vegas the costs of getting the team out there would be outrageous."
"I regret having to do this as being in the top ten is a big deal to me and my team but it's decision I had to make. We will re-join the NHRA tour at Atlanta and I want to apologize to all my sponsors and fans who support this team and wanted to see us in Vegas but it's something I just had to do."
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