Riggs Holds On For Solid Finish

FONTANA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2008) -- Scott Riggs and his No. 66 Haas Automation Chevrolet Impala SS had a promising start to the Auto Club 500 at the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California and following two lengthy delays held on for a 21st-place finish.

In a race that spanned parts of two days because of persistent rain, Riggs was very happy with his car at the beginning, saying it was the best his car handled since the team had been to California. Ordinarily that wouldn’t mean much considering the team only got in a handful of practice laps before the race, but Riggs said the car was even better than at the pre-season test here where he posted the 5th fastest time just a few weeks ago.

Changing track conditions over the course of two extended red flag periods and ultimately from day to night and then back to day again saw Riggs battling a loose car for the majority of the race.

“The car was loose into the corners and tight through the centers,” Riggs said. “I couldn’t get on the gas until the wheel straightened out at the end of the corner or else the back end would just whip around. Even in the straightaways  when I got behind another car my car just slid around,” he said. “I couldn’t race anyone.”

Crew chief Robert “Bootie” Barker called for numerous adjustments during the race including track bar, wedge, and air pressure changes but the car didn’t respond. “I think we were more aero loose than mechanical,” Riggs said.

Following the 21st-place finish Riggs is 20th in driver points.

The No. 66 team now heads to Las Vegas for Sunday’s UAW 400. The race will be broadcast live on FOX at 4:30 p.m. EST and on local PRN affiliates.