Strong Run for Riggs in No. 66 Debut

DAYTONA, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2008) – Scott Riggs drove his No. 66 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Impala SS to a hard fought 21st-place finish in today’s Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway.

“I’m really proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish today,” Riggs said. “It’s hard to make up track position when you’re a lap down, but they never gave up on me and it paid off at the end,” he said.

In what was the first points race for Riggs behind the wheel of the No. 66 he was plagued early by the tight handling condition that persisted throughout Speedweeks. Crew Chief Robert “Bootie” Barker and the No. 66 team attempted to solve the issue with tire pressure and rear wedge adjustments during the first few pit stops.

With the adjustments and Riggs’ driving ability the No. 66 team was able to maintain position on the lead lap until Riggs reported a vibration on Lap 131 that he said felt like a tire going down. The No. 66 took four tires during the unscheduled pit stop and in the process fell a lap down to the leaders. Following the stop Riggs reported that the vibration was gone.

When the caution flag flew on Lap 176 Riggs regained the lead lap as recipient of the Lucky Dog pass. He went on to finish the race in the 21st position.

“The first five races of the season are very important points-wise. So we did okay there,” Riggs said. “We’ll head out to California next week and try to get better.”

Next Sunday’s running of the Auto Club 500 from California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., will be televised live on FOX beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST and on your local MRN affiliate at 4 p.m. EST.