Wreck Stymies
Sauter’s Solid Run

Avondale, Ariz. (April 14, 2008) – Johnny Sauter was on a mission to get the No. 70 Haas Automation Chevrolet back into the Top 35 in owner points when he stepped into the seat at Phoenix International Raceway for Sunday’s Subway Fresh Fit 500. And on a weekend when everything seemed to be going according to plan for Sauter and the No. 70 team it appeared that he would easily accomplish it.

After starting in the 42nd position, Sauter had moved his way through the field to 15th when on Lap 134 things quickly soured for the team. Sauter was collected in an accident caused by oil on the track and the team headed to the garage for repairs.

The team repaired the heavily damaged right front of the No. 70 in less than 40 laps and Sauter re-entered the race to finish 37th.

“That was a tough break,” Sauter said. “I thought we had the wreck cleared when a car nailed us in the right front. The car was awesome and we picked up a lot of positions but ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I thank Haas CNC Racing for the opportunity they gave me this weekend,” Sauter said. “We were definitely good enough to put the car back into the Top 35 but fate wasn’t on our side.”

The No. 70 team dropped two spots in the owner points to 38th, 12 points behind 35th. Following a weekend off for the team, they will head to Talladega for the April 27 running of the Aaron’s 499.

A driver for the No. 70 at Talladega has not been named.