September 27, 2003 Concord, NC - Las Vegas is a town for those who wish to take risks at the gaming tables. But when you're a rookie in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, you'd best leave your "roll of the dice" at the casinos, and play a sure bet at the track.
TJ Bell did just that, finishing a solid 23rd in the Las Vegas 350, earning Bell his second Raybestos Rookie of the Race award for 2003.
"We unloaded with a strong truck early in practice," said Bell who was again driving the No. 53 Pro Motion/ A Special Wish Ford for owner Mary Ward. "We struggled a little in the heat of the day, then I just over drove it in qualifying," added Bell who made his 11th NCTS start at Las Vegas.
"Our goal all year has been to run as many laps as possible," said the Sparks, NV native. "Crew Chief Doug George did a great job giving me a truck that could finish the race," added Bell, who considers Las Vegas his home track.
The weekend ended on a high note the next day when A Special Wish guest Dusty Dalton completed his course at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
"Dusty is a determined young man," said Bell. "He got to be a part of the team for the weekend, and everyone made him feel welcome. I proud of him for finishing his course at the Petty Experience," added Bell. "That made the weekend a complete success."
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