TALLADEGA AL (1-29-07) - No driver/team is arguably more serious about Daytona than Bobby Gerhart Racing. 
In fact, the Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based team tested Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in preparation for the fast-approaching ARCA 200 at Daytona Int’l Speedway on February 10.
After three days of extensive testing at Daytona in mid-December, the Gerharts felt they needed one more restrictor plate run before they could make final determinations regarding Daytona, the marquis event on the ARCA RE/MAX Series tour
“There was a really bad head-on wind going down the backstretch. Even though the wind made it difficult, we still learned a couple things…..mainly what gear ratios we’ll need at Daytona.
“It was also the first time we tested with the new laser-cut (restrictor) plates. The speeds are down quite a bit from last year. Whereas last year Bobby sat on the pole at 185-plus, the pole this year should be closer to 180. We’ll have to see on that, but the speeds are definitely down. Of course, that typically means the cars will be even closer.”
Bobby Gerhart, in his familiar #5 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, unofficially posted the fastest speed at 181.473 mph. Teammate AJ Henriksen, in the #7 Eagle Warranty Chevrolet, was second on the charts at 180.889. Brad Coleman, testing a third BGR Chevrolet, was third overall at 180.811. “We still haven’t completely decided which car will be our primary car at Daytona,” added Gerhart. “We’ll make that call tonight. Speed-wise, both cars we tested were identical. At this point, we’re leaning toward using the same car we won with last year; it drafted a little better.
“But we still learned enough that we thought the test was beneficial. For the most part, we’re ready to go. The cars are all set-up…..we just need to detail them. They need to be decaled and that’s pretty much it. We’ll load ‘em this weekend, and the three trailers will head out Sunday night. Guess the guys will have to listen to the Super Bowl on their radios; that’s the way it worked out this year.
"But overall, we thought the test went well for everyone. The only on-track incident was for a dog that got loose on the track. No kidding; it took about a half-hour for track officials to lasso him. It sure was cold though."
Gerhart, looking for an unprecedented fifth Daytona triumph, is already the only driver in history to win four ARCA 200s at Daytona. Gerhart is also in search of what would be a record fifth consecutive Daytona pole.
Three other drivers also tested with the Gerharts at Talladega including third-generation racer Steadman Marlin. Marlin, in a #14 Chevy Monte Carlo, unofficially posted a speed of 180.304.
Butch Jarvis, in a 2005 Monte Carlo, also tested posting an unofficial speed of 180.140. Rookie Justin South, in the #59 HD Supply Dodge out of the Cunningham Motorsports stable, unofficially posted a speed of 179.658.
The ARCA RE/MAX Series garage at Daytona opens Tuesday, February 6 at 3:30 pm for inspection only. Garage opens at 7 am Wednesday morning for the first full day of inspection prior to the cars taking to the track for the first time on Thursday for a five hour practice session from noon to 5 pm. Pole qualifying is scheduled to roll off Friday at noon with final practice to follow at 5:10.
The 44th annual ARCA 200 at Daytona is LIVE on SPEED Saturday, February 10 at 4 pm ET.