McLaughlin Looking for a Repeat in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC - Can history repeat itself at Lowe's Motor Speedway? Goulds Pumps driver Mike McLaughlin hopes this old adage come true. Just one year ago, Mike McLaughlin pulled off a stunning victory in the All-Pro Bumper-to-Bumper 300, winning the race by 24.074 seconds. McLaughlin qualified for the race in 3rd position and used a superb fuel mileage strategy to run away with the win, the 5th of his NASCAR Busch Series career. The win served as a perfect birthday present for McLaughlin, occurring just three days after his 42nd birthday.

Another win at Lowe's Motor Speedway could be the perfect tonic for what has been a tough season for the veteran driver from Waterloo, NY. After finishing 3rd in the final point standing last season and contending for the title for much of the year, McLaughlin has slipped to 10th in the 1999 NASCAR Busch Series standings.

"It hasn't been the year we all expected to have," McLaughlin said. "I really thought we would contend again for the title and win a championship for Goulds Pumps and Cicci-Welliver Racing, but it just hasn't been our year. It seems like we have been involved in every wreck this season, we haven't had an ounce of good luck."

Despite the run of bad luck, McLaughlin knows how a victory can erase bad memories of a year gone by.

"If the Goulds Pumps team could win the Charlotte race, it would be a great way to cap off the racing season," McLaughlin said. "Our team had a real solid test at the speedway last month, if we can build off that day, we may have a chance to repeat last season's win."

McLaughlin's win last season was a special day in his life for many reasons. His Mom and Dad had made the trip south from Waterloo, NY for the racing weekend. For his father, it was his first ever trip to Charlotte. Following the win, everyone headed back to McLaughlin's home where a huge Victory/Birthday party followed into the wee hours of the night.

"It was great having my parents in town for the race," McLaughlin said. "It was such a thrill to share the win with all my friends and family that evening. My parents are going to come back down this year and hopefully I can send them back with another great memory of a win."

McLaughlin and the Goulds Pumps Racing Team will begin their march toward a second Lowe's Motor Speedway win on Thursday October, 7th with practice and qualifying. The All-Pro Bumper-to-Bumper 300 will take the green flag at 1:05pm on Saturday October 9th.

Mike's wife, Katie, already has a Birthday Party planned for Saturday night, now it's up to Mike to turn it into a Victory Party as well!