GILBERTSON SKIPS ST. LOUIS
Mon, 2007-04-30 11:23
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race on the
NHRA schedule, this weekend's O'Reilly Auto Parts Midwest Nationals in St.
Louis.
Gilbertson, who is currently 14th 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 Midwest for a single event.
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race on the
NHRA schedule, this weekend's O'Reilly Auto Parts Midwest Nationals in St.
Louis.
Gilbertson, who is currently 14th 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 Midwest for a single event.
"Again this was a tough decision to
make," 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 to the Midwest for
just one race then have to travel back to the east coast for the next race at
Bristol. With the ever increasing cost of diesel fuel and lodging the costs of
getting the team out there would be outrageous."
"I regret having to do this as competing on the
NHRA circuit is what the team and I want to do but it's decision I'm forced to
make. We will re-join the NHRA tour at Bristol and I want to apologize to all
my sponsors and fans who support this team and wanted to see us in St. Louis but
it's something I just had to do."
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