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Setzer wins Federated Auto Parts 250

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Posted: Sunday July 11, 1999 04:43 PM

Setzer averaged 77.056 mph and won by 1.132 seconds. Robert Laberge/Allsport

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Dennis Setzer held off Kevin Harvick's last-ditch charge from deep in the field to win Saturday night's rain-delayed NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Federated Auto Parts 250 at Nashville Speedway USA.

Setzer, who dueled early with series points leader Jack Sprague, appeared ready to cruise to the finish after passing Jay Sauter for the lead on the 197th of 250 laps.

But the 23-year-old Harvick, who had held back in the early going to save his tires, made his move with 31 laps remaining. He twice closed the gap to one second before the tires of his Ford heated up, allowing Setzer to post his second victory of the season.

Setzer, who averaged 77.056 mph, held an advantage of 1.132 seconds at the checkered flag. He became the first Dodge driver to win twice in a season, collecting $43,095.

"The crew gave me great pits stops," Setzer said. "We made one adjustment to the truck early in the race ... and we were dead-on for the rest of the race. There have been wins in the past, but it means a lot to be the first Dodge driver to repeat in a season."

Harvick finished second for the third time in 1999.

"I saw that we had something for him [Setzer] when we cut the margin in half, but then the tires got hot and we were done," Harvick said.

Jimmy Hensley, last year's winner of the event, finished third, followed by Joe Ruttman, who regained two laps lost early to an unscheduled tire change. Both also drove Dodge Ram trucks.

Sprague finished fifth in a Chevrolet and was trailed to the finish by Andy Houston, Ron Barfield, rookies Mike Stefanik and Tim Steele, and Kevin Cywinski.

Sprague padded his point lead to 165 points over Greg Biffle, who finished 22nd after colliding with Boris Said on lap 163. Accidents also claimed championship contenders Stacy Compton and Ron Hornaday, both of whom returned to the race after lengthy stays in the garage for repairs.

The first 14 of 23 finishers completed all 250 laps. Nine drivers, including Sprague, who led 83 laps, swapped the lead nine times. Nine cautions consumed 51 laps.

A thunderstorm which descended on the track just as driver introductions were completed delayed the start almost 5 1/2 hours.

 

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