Engine Problems Sideline Kobyluck At Phoenix

Matt Kobyluck was a dominant force in the early running of the AutoZone West Series’ Casino Arizona 150 at Phoenix International Raceway Thursday night, but engine problems eventually sidelined the Mohegan Sun Casino race team and relegated them to a 30th place finish. Kobyluck led for 56 laps in the caution-filled event before parking the No. 40 Mohegan Sun Chevrolet behind the wall at lap 75.

“"This was definitely one of the best cars out there and I feel like we had a car that could have won the race,” Kobyluck said of the Mohegan Sun Chevrolet. “I’m not sure what exactly happened with the motor, but I can tell you it was big. We had nearly two seconds on the rest of the field, but I got passed by six or eight guys within five laps once the engine went."

Kobyluck kicked off the day on a strong note when he missed the Busch Pole Award by 5/100th’s of a second. Kobyluck initially was awarded with a third place qualifying speed, but was placed on the outside front row when the 16 car’s time was disqualified.

The #40 Mohegan Sun Chevrolet  (NASCAR Photo)

“We practiced and qualified in the daytime and raced at nighttime so we were really trying to figure out all day what the car was going to do for the race,” said Kobyluck. “But when the race started, the car was better than it had been all day.”

Kobyluck got the lead at lap six and never looked back – at least not until lap 64.

“We thought we may be able to tough out the problems. We thought we may have just lost a cylinder or something, but when I came down pit road and my crew chief, Perry Waite, took a look, we knew it was fatal. It was hugely disappointing. We had such a good car – you hate to see something like that take you out – unfortunately, it was a harsh reality.”

Kobyluck will return to competition on June 10th at Greenville-Pickens Speedway when the Busch East Series, Grand National Division kicks off the 2006 season with the Busch East 150.