Rodney Gives It His All at Greenville Pickens

On Thursday July 3, 2008 Rodney prepared for the Fire Cracker 125 at Greenville Pickens Speedway in Greenville, South Carolina. The whole crew had worked hard on the car in past weeks, swapping engines, changing exhaust, and other minor adjustments and was hoping for a top ten finish at that night’s race. Having finished 23^rd at Orange County due to engine troubles just weeks before, Rodney had high hopes for the car and finishing well and Greenville Pickens. While getting buckled into the car Rodney noticed that the throttle was being hung up. After looking car owner Jim Gallison noticed that the throttle was getting stuck on the air filter.

“It’s a good thing we found that, or I would have gone head on into the wall as flat as the track is.” Rodney stated as the crew made adjustments to keep the car as safe as possible for their driver. During practice Rodney worked on finding a good groove with the track being so flat no turn was alike going in or coming out. While in the process of finding a groove Rodney also noticed that the steering wheel was jerking a bit as he entered the turn. After bringing it in and taking care of the problem Rodney was back on the track doing what he does best. After practice Rodney and the crew prepared for qualifying. Being first to qualify put some pressure on the team and driver alike but everyone was very confident in both their car and Rodney. Although they didn’t finish pole there was no doubt in the minds of the fans or the crew that Rodney would do great in that nights race. After eating a good meal and resting some before the race Rodney went out to sign more autographs than ever before. 

 Taking pictures with babies and signing shirts and posters there was no question that Rodney was a fan favorite. “Time to go racing” Rodney says getting into his car to show this crowd what he could really do. After starting 23^rd Rodney quickly started to make his way up the line. Trying to keep the car on the low groove and making his marks most of the time Rodney was running right with the pack until car 22 got into his inside quarter panel and put him around coming out of turn four. This didn’t discourage driver Rodney Brooks instead gave him more a reason to say up there. Falling back some after the turn around, Rodney came into the pits for some duct work and body adjustments. After the pit stop and caution Rodney was back with the pack and racing strong.

Sadly Rodney wasn’t able to finish the Firecracker 125 at Greenville Pickens due to an overheating engine. That will not get the team down though. Up early Friday morning the crew, driver, and owner met at the shop and were already making adjustments and modifications to insure a top ten finish at the Southern Sizzler at Orange County Speedway on July 19^th. Come out and support Rodney as he gives it his all again at OCS.