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NASHVILLE, TN (April 8, 2007) – Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Busch Series driver Brad Coleman lead the rookie contingent at Nashville Superspeedway by bringing the No. 18 Carino’s Italian Grill Chevrolet home 15th in Saturday’s Pepsi 300.
“It was the best finish for our team in this young season and I am happy to be the top rookie and in the Top 5 Chevy’s, but I know we have a lot more in us. The Carino’s Italian Grill crew put forth a great effort in very cold conditions all weekend and had me in a good car. Our performance on the track was right where it needs to be and once we work out our business on pit road we will be a contender,” stated a smiling Coleman.
Starting the race from the 33rd position on the grid, Coleman had worked the car up to 13th before his first pit stop on lap 67. He came out of the pits in 10th but had to serve a drive through penalty that ultimately dropped him back to 28th a lap down from the field.
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“It was a difficult entry into pit road with someone right on my bumper. I made the mistake of braking on the apron instead of on the track so I came in a little hot and picked up a cone violation,” said Coleman.
The young driver skillfully worked his way back through the pack a second time and with 25 laps to go was in 15th position, needing just one yellow flag to bring him up to the top pack and try to earn a Top 10 finish. The field finished clean with Coleman in the 15th spot and left the top finishing rookie thinking about next week.
“I haven’t raced in my home state of Texas since I was in go karts,” Coleman said. ”I know Texas Motor Speedway is a big time track and I will have to be patient and respectful but I am looking forward to the opportunity. My great sponsor partners, Carino’s Italian Grill, will be launching their new brand there next week and have hundreds of people in the grandstands. I know my dad is getting calls from a whole lot of friends, business associates and even some of my old teachers looking for tickets, so this should be a lot of fun.”