Fuel Strategy

Fuel Strategy


- Keel Botch uses fuel strategy to win the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. -

In an unusually caution free race driver Keel Botch driving the More for Less, UniLube, TellStar, MicroDot, Momma Mia Pizza, Pulsar Sparkplug Ford number 37 took the top spot in a spectacular display of fuel economy.

Winning by three laps over his closest competitor the number 37 driver said, “We knew the tires were not a concern, Goodyear gave us a great tire; we knew they would go the distance.  My engine builders really stepped up to the plate.  We’ve not been known for getting good fuel mileage, but we figured this might turn out to be a fuel mileage race so they really fine-tuned the engine.  I’m just so proud of the team.  We were getting beat eight seconds a lap there at the end but we had built up enough of a lead that we were able to get the victory.  Track position is everything.  The key was to not pit.”


- NASCAR Race Review -

After Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600’s post race inspection it was found that significant modifications had been made to the number 37.  NASCAR’s Mick Skelton said in a statement, “We became concerned with the fuel mileage the 37 had during the race.  It was highly suspicious that an 800 horsepower car could run 600 miles on 18 gallons of fuel.  It was even more suspicious when we found that there was eight gallons remaining in the tank.  After further inspection, we found a mason jar full of water with two stainless steel electrodes in it connected to the battery.  Tubing from this container was connected to the engine’s intake.  This is technology of nearly 200 years ago, which electrolyzes water to make a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen and boosts horsepower and fuel economy tremendously.  This technology is forbidden by all automotive manufacturers and by NASCAR.  This is a clear case of someone trying to cheat.  The 37’s driver and team owner will be penalized 150 points, the owner fined $100,000 and the crew chief fined $100,000 as well as suspended for six races.  NASCAR feels that the punishment fits the crime. ”


- Dover International Speedway -

Story by Arlo McDuff

With the final practice over it was my job as pit reporter to keep controversies at their peak.  And of course, NASCAR’s ruling concerning the 37 team was the big story of the day.  I found the 37’s driver, Keel Botch standing near the third turn looking at the track.  I walked up to Keel.

I asked, “How’s the car running today?”

Keel said, “The More for Less, UniLube, TellStar, MicroDot, Momma Mia Pizza, Pulsar Sparkplug Ford is really good.  The guys back at the fab shop have really done their homework.  The engine department has given me some great power.”

I said, “Well Keel, it seems there won’t be an appeal to NASCAR’s ruling in last week’s race, what’s your take on the situation?”

Keel said, “I’m so mad I could fling my helmet at someone.”  He started loosening the straps on his helmet.

Being the only one within Keel’s range, I started to slowly back away, but he then did the most unexpected thing.  He threw himself onto the track and started making motions very similar to those his brother had done earlier in the season, making snow angels.  Of course his brother had made snow angels in real snow, a sight that caused me great embarrassment for NASCAR and our race coverage at the time, but nothing like I was now witnessing.  Of course, this is June and the temperature is in the mid eighties.  He was flailing about in the rubber debris from their latest practice session screaming, “I’m innocent, innocent, it’s my team that are the meanies, not me, they’re the cheaters, not me, I’m innocent.”

I’ve not seen such a disgusting sight since the last running of the Brickyard 400, when a bunch of grown men knelt down and started kissing bricks at the finish line.  No, I take that back.  This display was even more disgusting than someone passionately slobbering over a brick.

I turned away and made my way to the number 69 team where I talked to Calvin Hordrick, the driver of the number 69.  I asked, “Do you think the penalties accessed the 37 team were fair?”

Hordrick asked, “What penalties?”

I said, “The 37 driver and Team Owner were both accessed a 150 point penalty.  The 37’s Crew Chief has been suspended for six races, with a $100,000 fine.”

Hordrick asked, “They were?”

I could see right away I had picked the wrong guy to interview.  I said, “Yes they were, for violating the NASCAR rulebook sections concerning unapproved engine modifications, unapproved fuel additives and ‘Actions detrimental to stock car racing’.”

Hordrick said, “I’m totally shocked.  I thought ‘Actions detrimental to stock car racing’ was the only section in the book.  I certainly didn’t know there was more than one section.  What’s that guy over there doing?”

Uneasily I looked in the direction he was pointing.  Keel was still raising quite a cloud of rubber dust.  I said, “Thanks,” then moved on as fast as I could.

I immediately came upon the driver of the 134, Timmy Birchfield.  I asked, “Do you think the penalties NASCAR accessed the 37 team were fair?”

Timmy said, “Of course it’s fair, if NASCAR did it, then it’s fair.  I always agree with NASCAR.  Absolutely, if NASCAR did it, it’s right.  Goodyear tires are the best.  What was the question?”

“Uh, thanks Timmy.  Good luck Sunday.”

At the last moment I caught up to the interim crew chief for the 37 car, Moody Waters.  Before I could get a word out, Moody said, “The More for Less, UniLube, TellStar, MicroDot, Momma Mia Pizza, Pulsar Sparkplug Ford is really good.  The guys back at the fab shop have really done their homework.  The engine department has given us some great power and I’m good; this ain’t my first dance you know.  Now I ain’t gonna answer any of your dumb questions about gettin’ clobbered with a big penality.”

Sheesh.  “Are you at all concerned about your driver?”  Keel was still rolling around on turn three.  He had attracted a number of curious onlookers.

Moody said, “Not at all.  Keel’s one of the best young drivers out there.  He’s matured a lot in the last two years.  ”

“Really?  What I meant is, aren’t you worried about him over there sucking in all that rubber dust?  Don’t you think you should go drag him off the track?”

“Nah, he’s young in years but he’s been racin’ since he was four years old.  He’s got a lot of experience.  The kid was raised on burning rubber and gasoline fumes.”

Now that explains a lot.  “Thanks Moody and good luck Sunday.”

I looked around.  Most everyone had cleared out.  Four NASCAR officials had dragged Keel to the infield grass and were hosing him down, jeesh, what a mess.

Just another day in the life of a pit reporter, thank goodness I won’t have to do this again until Sunday.