Sprague, Hendrick Fight Handling Problems at PPIR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 29, 2002) -- Jack Sprague finished in the top 15 for the 15th time in the No. 24 NetZero Chevrolet this season as the NASCAR Busch Series visited Pikes Peak International Raceway for the NetZero 250 on Saturday in Fountain, Colo. The three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion fought an ill-handling race car, but managed to salvage a top-15 showing while holding on to third place in the Busch Series standings, 219 points behind leader Greg Biffle. Ricky Hendrick had one of his best qualifying efforts of the season at PPIR, starting ninth in the field of 43. The rookie went a lap down while fighting slippery track conditions, finishing 22nd in the No. 5 GMAC Chevy. Hendrick remains 26th in driver points after starting just 15 of 21 events this season. Hank Parker Jr. took the NetZero 250 checkered flag for his first Busch Series victory of 2002. The NASCAR Busch Series next visits Indianapolis Raceway Park for the Kroger 200 on Saturday. The race will be broadcast live on TNT (8 p.m. EDT) and MRN Radio (7:30 p.m. EDT).