Tyler Walker news update 2003-09-06

DuQuoin, IL -- September 6, 2003- Tyler Walker and the R.E. Technologies Racing team are hoping to land another podium finish at the Ted Horn 100, Saturday night at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois.

Three weeks ago, the team claimed their first podium finish of the year on dirt at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

"I am getting more comfortable driving the dirt Silver Crown car," stated Walker. "If we qualify good and are able to run up front, we should have a good finish."

The R.E. Technologies Racing team has three more dirt races remaining on their 2003 USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series schedule. The team will be at DuQuoin on September 6, Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 14 and in Syracuse October 10-11.

"I am looking forward to returning to the dirt," added Walker. "I have a couple of those under my belt, so hopefully we can move up and finish in the top five in points."

Tyler Walker is in 8th place in the points. He trails Paul White by three points and 6th place Brian Tyler by four points.

The team finished 7th at DuQuoin last season and 2nd in 2001 with Jerry Coons Jr. behind the wheel.

TRUCK'IN AT RICHMOND

Tyler Walker had a strong run Thursday night at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "Virginia is for Lovers" 200, before a cut tire ended his night. The California native was 13th quick in early practice. Strong thunderstorms pelted Richmond International Raceway canceling qualifying. NASCAR set most of the starting grid by owner's points. That forced Tyler Walker to start from 34th position. Walker drove the #7 Mopar Performance Ultra Motorsports Dodge through the field to 8th position by lap 163. With about 35 laps to go, a right rear tire went down and the #7 truck contacted with the #87 of Conrad Burr on the backstretch at Richmond International Raceway. Walker finished in 27th position. 1995 USAC Silver Crown Champion Tony Stewart won the event. Walker was the third truck in a three truck Ultra team for the weekend. Ultra's other drivers were Ted Musgrave and Jimmy Spencer. Tyler Walker finished 5th at Richmond in June racing with the USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series.

TUNE UP IN TULSA

R.E. Technologies Racing team spent the middle of last week in Tulsa to prepare for the O'Reilly Tulsa 100 on Sunday September 14th. Jerry Coons Jr. put the #115 Parker Stores sponsored J&J car through its paces at the ¾ mile dirt oval.

"The #115 felt good," said Coons. "I am pretty impressed with it. The car has a lot of potential. The Tulsa Fairgrounds Motorplex is a nice facility. I think the fans will see some great racing."

Donny Schatz and Tyler Walker were unable to attend the test in Tulsa. Walker was testing a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series truck for Dodge in Richmond. Donny Schatz was inbound to Tulsa, OK when the aircraft he was flying had engine troubles. Schatz was able to safely return to Fargo, ND without incident.

NAZARETH 100

Tyler Walker scored another top ten finish in the final USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series pavement race of the year at Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Walker qualified the Curb-Agajanian-R.E. Technologies Racing entry 10th quick during Saturday's qualifying session. On Sunday, the California native moved the car up to 9th by lap 13. With only four laps to go, Walker passed Jason McCord and held on to finish 8th.

-bj-