GILBERTSON SKIPS LAS VEGAS
Mon, 2007-04-09 12:58
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob
Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race on the NHRA schedule, this
weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.
Gilbertson, who is currently ninth in the NHRA
POWERade points standings, regrets having to miss the race but was forced to
make that decision due to budget restraints, availability of parts and the cost
of having to travel to the west coast for a single event.
"This was the toughest decision I've ever had to
make in my racing career," Gilbertson said. "There are a few factors that
figured into the equation. First off the new diesel engine emissions law that
was implemented January 1, 2007 has had a direct impact on our racing budget.
Freightliner, the largest truck manufacturer in the world, is one of my
company's biggest customers, we supply them with air tanks and they've seen
their sales drop off 40% and they've laid off over 6,000 people so far and with
that, the demand for air tanks has dropped like a rock. They don't expect sales
to improve until the fourth quarter and look to increase production then and
into 2008."
Cites increasing costs and decrease in
sales
Nitro Funny Car racer Bob
Gilbertson has elected to skip the next race on the NHRA schedule, this
weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.
Gilbertson, who is currently ninth in the NHRA
POWERade points standings, regrets having to miss the race but was forced to
make that decision due to budget restraints, availability of parts and the cost
of having to travel to the west coast for a single event.
"This was the toughest decision I've ever had to
make in my racing career," Gilbertson said. "There are a few factors that
figured into the equation. First off the new diesel engine emissions law that
was implemented January 1, 2007 has had a direct impact on our racing budget.
Freightliner, the largest truck manufacturer in the world, is one of my
company's biggest customers, we supply them with air tanks and they've seen
their sales drop off 40% and they've laid off over 6,000 people so far and with
that, the demand for air tanks has dropped like a rock. They don't expect sales
to improve until the fourth quarter and look to increase production then and
into 2008."
"Secondly availability of parts is an issue,"
Gilbertson added. "Essential parts such as cranks, rods and blocks are on back
order due to the buying power of the multi-car teams. Last but not least is the huge expense of traveling 2,500 miles for just
one race then have to travel back to the east coast for the next race at
Atlanta. With the ever increasing cost of diesel fuel and lodging in Las Vegas
the costs of getting the team out there would be outrageous."
"I regret having to do this as being in the top
ten is a big deal to me and my team but it's decision I had to make. We will
re-join the NHRA tour at Atlanta and I want to apologize to all my sponsors and
fans who support this team and wanted to see us in Vegas but it's something I
just had to do."
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