Aaron’s Dream Machine Damaged In Late Race Incident

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 19, 2008) David Reutimann finished 25th at Gateway International Raceway after a tangle in turn four with No. 88 Brad Keselowski on lap 140 caused heavy damage to the Aaron’s Dream Machine. The crew worked feverishly to cut away the damage and get Reutimann back on the track with 25 to go to pick up two positions before the end of the race.

Starting 14th for the 200-lap event, Reutimann wasted no time moving forward breaking into the top-ten on lap nine, and taking fifth on lap 25. There was no doubt the Aaron’s Dream Machine was again one of the fastest cars on the track.

Reutimann took the lead from the No. 20 of Joey Logano on lap 48 and led for the next fifteen laps until caution came out and most everyone pitted for fresh tires and fuel. Reutimann restarted third and took second three laps later. Then retook the lead from the No. 60 of Carl Edwards on lap 95 and proceed to build up a sizable lead.

Trouble in the pits with a stuck lug nut caused Reutimann to restart seventh with 85 to go but the Dream Machine again moved through the field. While battling Keselowski for third with 60 to go, the 88 car had a run on the outside of Reutimann in turn four and as the cars exited the turn, the two car touched and the Dream Machine turned hard into the wall.

Going back to the garage for repairs, the crew thrashed to cut away damaged sheet metal and straighten the right front so Reutimann could get back on the track and salvage a couple of more positions. The Dream Machine did pick up two spots with 25 to go and finished in a disappointing 25th.

Overall, the Dream Machine led for 33-laps but the 25th place finish dropped Reutimann to fourth in the driver points and moved MWR back to sixth in the owner points race.

While the finish was disappointing, Aaron’s garnered tremendous exposure during the ESPN2 and MRN radio broadcasts while the Dream Machine moved through and dominated the field. Aaron’s associates and their guests were on hand and enjoyed getting a close up look at the race from the pits as well as meeting David before the race. 

Reutimann and San Diego native Jerry Baxter (Crew Chief) had an opportunity to meet and chat with MLB star, San Diego Padre Trevor Hoffman before the race who visited the track as guests of Toyota. Hoffman and his son would enjoy their first race from the Aaron’s pits and took time to chat with the crew to learn more about NASCAR racing. 

The next race for Reutimann and the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine is next Saturday, July 26 at the O’Reilly Raceway Park just outside of Indianapolis, IN. You can watch all of the race action on ESPN2 at 8:00 PM.