Charlotte: No 18 team wins Pit-Crew Challenge

Interstate Batteries Team Wins POWERade Pit-Crew Challenge

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Friday, May 28, 2004 -- The Interstate Batteries Racing Team won the POWERade Pit-Crew Challenge in front of Coca-Cola Stage on Speed Street May 28 in Charlotte, N.C.

The eight-man crew changed four tires and simulated a refill of Sunoco gasoline in 15.93 seconds to defeat Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team in the final round.

The team, which performs pit stops for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet driven by Bobby Labonte in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, collected a check for $15,000.

"It's a great accomplishment for them," said crew chief, Michael "Fatback" McSwain. "They've had some ups and downs this year, but they've worked really hard. I think by winning the competition, they're seeing that hard work pay off. I'm proud of them. Hopefully, this will give us some great momentum for not only the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, but for the remainder of the year."

Members of the Interstate Batteries Racing team over-the-wall crew are: Mark "Hollywood" Armstrong (front-tire changer), Barry Cook (rear-tire changer), Alan Copley (rear-tire carrier), Jason Lee (jackman), Tom Lampe (gasman), Tom McCrimmon (catch can), Todd Meredith (front tire carrier), Adam von Olhausen (windshield).

Paul Alepa is the team's trainer and pit-stop coordinator.

The Interstate Batteries team returns to action at the Coca-Cola 600 May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The race starts at 5:30 p.m. (EST) Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX and PRN.

-jgr-