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A mad scramble doesn't begin to describe the week leading up to the Infineon Speedway debut of Victor Pfluger.  Since the early days in karting the team has been a shoestring raceteam, maximizing the sponsorship contributions from their loyal group of supports - and their first forray into NASCAR was could compare with the story of David and Goliath.  The team has spent enormous energy building a Grand National car to run at least a portion of the 2007 series.  The car, prepped and constructed by Mr. Chuck Lahorgue of Redding, CA. was finally ready for a maiden voyage at the track that Victor has dreamed of running since he was just a kid. 

With a generous tire sponsorship from Copperstate Tire Company the team knew they could post an entry in the legendary road course race.  Now, it was a week long battle to gather the troops, and pull the car into shape.  Chuck Lahorgue wrangled a number of experienced pitmen to help with the venture, including Tony Wilhelmson - fuel, Kyle O'Bryan - jackman, Mike Keckta, Don Frazier - tires, Diana Frazier - catchcan, Devin Lahorgue - tire carrier. 

Thursday and Friday were a flurry of activity with getting to the track, sign-in registration and the like.  The team was thrilled to be pitted between Nextel driver David Gilliland (who would go on to win the race), and Boris Said - the master of the road course.  With high hopes and the thrill of finally getting to run Infineon, everyone was looking forward to practice.  However, thrill quickly turned to disappointment when, coming out of turn 10 the car jumped out on a rise and slammed the wall virtually destroying the entire frontend.

The hopes and dreams of the team were shattered.  A quick checkup for Victor in the medical center as the car was towed to the pits pronounced the driver shaken but unscathed.  Lahorgue and the team surveyed the damage, knowing their budget limitations opted to pack up and go home.  However, the NASCAR officials took a look at the car and strongly encouraged the downhearted team to attempt to fix the vehicle.  

With the determination found only in a group of racers, an epic marathon of repair began which lasted well into the night.  The check-in time for Saturday was 6:00am, and by then the car was drivable for qualifying.  Victor's theory on qualifying the car was to just make sure it could hold together after having so many repairs made the night before.  All in all qualifying went quite well, and Victor was placed in the 34th starting position. 

Off to good start, the young road course warrior held his position and bided his time till attrition and mechanicals would thin the field.   Pitting at the giant facility in an entirely new format and configuration was a bit intimidating for the young driver, but the first pit went just fine.  Around the 40 lap mark Victor came in for fuel and tires.  After a quick stop, he headed back to the track but merging on he collided with the #18 of Moses Smith.  Smith, who was running in the second position tagged the #80 in the driver door and sent Victor off on a little dirt-tracking.  By the time Pfluger got the car back on the track he had lost several positions and had gone down a lap.

Charging forward he held his position and even made up a few spots.  As a yellow caution flag few Victor became the fortunate recipient of the "Lucky Dog" - putting him back on the lead lap.  Staying on the lead lap for the remainder of the race was the cheif concern and all of the team's attention was focused on keeping that essential position.

As the checkered flag waved for David Gilliland at the front of the pack, Victor had managed to stay on the lead lap and finish in an impressive 26th final position ahead of several series stars including Joey Lagano. 

Reflecting back on the weekend Victor could only feel inspired and optimistic about the entire experience.  He and his father both commented on how despite pre-race concerns about being intimidated by the new division and its ways and means, they felt welcome and comfortable with the NASCAR officials and facility.  "It was one of the first times we have ever felt as if the racing officials actually WANTED us to be there.   Some tracks and series leave you with the feeling that you are an imposition to them - rather than their welcomed guests." Said Art Pfluger, team owner and proud father of Victor. 

One of the only regrets of the weekend was the mishap with Moses Smith.  Smith, whom the Pflugers have long considered a friend, was running second when he came into contact with the #80 of Pfluger.  "We couldn't have imagined a worse case scenario with whom to have a tangle - we just hoped he would accept our apolgies.  We were going to wait a couple of days for the dust to settle then contact Moses, but to our surprise, he called us on the Tuesday after the race to check on Victor and make sure everything was ok. Truly a stand-up guy, and a great competitor." Reflected Art about the whole situation. 

The Art and Victor would especially like to thank everyone who helped out with the weekend.  Of course, Chuck Lahorgue - thier tireless crewcheif and builder, Kyle O'Bryan - who worked very hard to make this race possible, Don and Diana Frazier, Tony Wilhelmson, Mike and Devin, and Moses Smith.  Without the help of Copperstate Tires the team might not have made this dream come true, so they want to recognize their extensive contribution. 

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