Derek and Nick Neville to settle the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year title during the 37th annual Oktoberfest Weekend at LaCrosse.
By Buzz Motorsports/M.P.H. PromotionsMackinaw, Illinois (10/03/2006): The “Brothers Neville” have been battling all season long in the chase for the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year title in the ASA Late Model Series Northern Division Presented by GM Performance Parts.
In the siblings last event at the I-70 (MO) Speedway in Odessa, Missouri during the North VS South All-Star Shootout/ World Cup 200 on Saturday and Sunday September 23-24, 2006, younger brother Nick carried a 10-point lead over his older brother Derek.
In addition Derek debuted a brand new car at I-70. A Lefthander Chassis Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was painted red and carried the familiar #95. Plus, Kevin Tunks of Edgerton, Wisconsin made his debut as the new Crew Chief for Derek at I-70.
Kevin and Derek hit it off great and the results on the track proved it with the elder Neville Brother finishing in seventh in the 200-lap Feature on the famed high banks in Odessa, Missouri. Nick however had difficulties as a flat tire with 28 laps to go, knocked Nick out of the Top 10 and he ended up 11th in the final rundown.
More importantly to the Brothers Neville, Derek retook the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year Points lead over his younger brother Nick by, ironically 10 points (1512-1502) heading into the 37th annual Oktoberfest Weekend this Saturday October 7, 2006 at the LaCrosse (WI) Fairgrounds Speedway.
“Having Kevin on board for the rest of the season sure takes a big load off of the rest of the team.” Stated Jamie Neville, Derek and Nick’s Father. “With Bobby Hutton continuing to call the shots for Nick, each driver will have a top notch leader in his corner. This is the big boost for our team” The proud Father added.
As for the 37th annual Oktoberfest Weekend, both Neville Brothers have made the last points event of the 2006 season in the ASALMS Northern Division very interesting. Although fellow freshmen, Alison Quick and Michael Annett are still mathematically alive in the rookie title chase, it will come down to the “Brothers Neville” to decide the 2006 Rookie of the Year title!
Derek’s run at I-70 propelled the Mackinaw, Illinois freshman back into the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie Points Lead! “”I-70 was a great points day for me, but now the pressure is really on with Nick only 10 points behind me, I cannot afford to make any mistakes.” Derek stated.
“We are brothers, teammates, and best friends to each other but when it comes down to that final lap of the season none of that can be a factor. On the track we treat each other as just another competitor!” the elder Neville Brother added.
“I am extremely pleased with my new Crew Chief, Kevin Tunks. We communicated really well.” Continued Neville as he talked about working with Tunks for the first time. “He knew exactly what the car needed all weekend long. Every change he made was in the right direction and the new red #95 car was awesome.” He added.
As for the continuing season long freshman points battle between him and his younger brother. Derek stated that; “I can’t wait to get to Lacrosse and get this rookie deal settled, but it was great having an “off weekend” to relax and realize what needs to be done.” Derek stated.
In an effort to be fully prepared for the points finale at Lacrosse, the engines from both the 95 and the 55 car were taken to J.R. Motorsports in Des Moines, Iowa and checked on the dyno. Because of rubber build-up on the grille at I-70, Derek’s engine heated up to 250 degrees in the final laps of the North/South Shoot-out.
At the same time, Nick felt his car had lost some horsepower during the past couple races. A leak down, compression check, and dyno run on Derek’s engine indicated everything to be Ok. Nicks intuition however proved accurate as his power plant was down more than 15 Horsepower from when it was new.
A review of that engines’ history revealed it had logged over 1700 laps since it was new so the decision to freshen it was made. “I knew something wasn’t right under the hood, especially at I-70. I was able to get through the corners as fast as anyone, but then I would lose two or three car lengths down the straights.” Explained Nick.
“I’m glad I was able to convince my Dad to get it checked. I need everything to be just right if I am going to catch Derek in the rookie chase!” The 18-year-old added.
As for the World Cup 200 at I-70, a flat tire took away a Top 10 finish for the younger Neville Brother. “I can’t believe another flat tire took me out of contention again at I-70.” Stated Nick. “The same thing happened in the spring race! Those are the only two flat tires I have had all year!” He added.
“My car was rocket-ship fast in the early part of the race, then as we neared the 100-lap break, it started to loosen up just a little bit.” Continued Nick Neville. “The two tire change at the stop caused the car to tighten up too much on the restart, so I found myself dropping the left side tires down onto the apron to loosen it up.” He added.
The Mackinaw, Illinois freshman was running in the Top 10 throughout the second half of the 200-lap Feature while running down on the apron. “That is probably where I picked up something in my left rear tire causing it to blow out and send me spinning into the turn two wall.” Nick added.
“Fortunately the damage was confined to the nose and bumper and we were able to finish the race even though we were three laps off the pace.” Nick stated.
As for the 37th annual Oktoberfest 100 Presented by Peterbuilt of LaCrosse, it’s all or nothing for the 18-year-old. “My race strategy for Lacrosse is going to change from what it has been so far this season. To win the rookie title, I have to beat Derek by at least three spots.” Nick explained.
“Points racing is over for me. No more protecting my position. I will be on offense from the drop of the green flag!” The younger Neville brother ended.
So far in the 2006 season the 20-year-old Derek’s best effort so far has been a runner-up showing at the Lorain (OH) Speedway on June 24, 2006. The second place showing is Derek’s lone Top Five to go with five Top 10 showings
The 18-year-old Nick has one Top Five finish, a season high fifth place effort at the Lake Erie (PA) Speedway back on June 9, 2006 to go with four Top 10 finishes. As for the Overall points chase in the ASALMS Northern Division, The Neville Brothers are fifth and sixth respectively with Derek only 53 points back of veteran, Peter Cozzolino who sits fourth overall.
Both Neville Brothers run Lefthander Chassis Chevrolet Monte Carlos as Derek carries sponsorship on the side of his machine from Ben E. Neville Roll-Off and Trucking Services as well as Hutton Motorsports, Zeigler Enterprises, Buzz Motorsports, and M.P.H. Promotions.
Nick carries sponsorship from; Hutton Car Care, as well as Ben E. Neville Roll-Off and Trucking Services, Nick’s Quality Lawn Care, Signs of Success, M.P.H. Promotions, Zeigler Enterprises, and Buzz Motorsports.
Previous Headlines
NICK NEVILLE MISSES ROOKIE TITLE BY ONLY 5 POINTS!
Podium finish in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has Nick Neville staring straight ahead at a Rookie of the Year title
LANE AUTOMOTIVE/ROLTEK TRANSMISSION 2009 ASAMT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CLASS OFF TO A GOOD START
Nick Neville kicks off 2009 racing season with the ASA Midwest Tour.
RACE FOR THE GOLD BRONZE RACE RE-SCHEDULED FOR MAY 30
ASAMT SEASON OPENER POSTPONED
Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers and Lucas Oil Products back on board for 2009!
Nick Neville heads to Nashville for the ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour portion of the All-American 400 Weekend.
Brothers Neville Finish 2nd and 3rd in the Inaugural Futures Race on Opening Night of Oktoberfest
Derek and Nick Neville Prepare for Busy Oktoberfest Week-end
The "Brothers Neville" will head to the Milwaukee Mile to take on Busch, Kenseth, and the ASA Midwest Tour cars and stars.
Nick Neville wins at Madison!!
The time to move up is now for Buzz Motorsports as Derek and Nick Neville will race in the ASA Midwest Tour for the remainder of the 2008 season!
Lucas Oil Products joins forces Buzz Motorsports for the remainder of the 2008 season beginning at Grundy County Speedway!
Buzz Motorsports is ready to take on the ASA Late Model Series Northern Division once again in 2008!
Derek Neville records fastest practice lap of week- end at Toledo (OH) Speedway
Dixie Chopper-sponsored midget racer the next big thing?
Buzz Motorsports 2007 season ends in style with ASA LMS awards Banquet
Eddie Hoffman wins his third ASALMS Feature of the Season and fourth career Oktoberfest triumph at the LaCrosse (WI) Fairgrounds Speedway.
The “Brothers Neville” look to end their Sophomore seasons on a high note during the Oktoberfest 100
Buzz Motorsports Brothers and Teammates, Derek and Nick Neville head to the Hawkeye Downs (IA) Speedway on a high note after solid showings in Michigan.
Brothers' Neville both score top ten finish in Rockford 100
The “Brothers Neville” continue to fight their way through the 2007 Racing Season with the Rockford (IL) Speedway on the horizon.
The Missouri 100 Presented by KC Power Equipment from I-70 (MO) Speedway on Saturday June 9, 2007 will be broadcast LIVE on Race Talk Radio.com.
Mother Nature sweeps the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend at the Grundy County (IL) Speedway. Make-up Date is “To Be Determined”.
Buzz Motorsports team tackles ASA LMS fastest speedway!
Back to the ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division for the “Brothers Neville” this weekend at the immaculate Iowa (IA) Speedway.
Nick Neville signs Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers for the remainder of the 2007 season beginning in Indianapolis this weekend.
Nick Neville wins his first career ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Fast Qualifier Award at the Music City (TN) Motorplex.
The “Brothers Neville” ready for the 2007 season in the ASA Late Model Series. First up is the ASALMS Challenge Division and the Music City Spring Clash 200.
Awards banquet puts "exclamation point" on successful 2006 season!
Derek and Nick to appear on Race Talk Radio!
Local racers Derek and Nick Neville to appear in nationally televised event!
The 2006 is winding down for the “Brothers Neville”. Music City is in the rear view mirror with the 2007 season on the horizon.
Derek Neville wins over younger brother Nick Neville to claim the 2006 Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year title in the ASALMS Northern Division.
Derek and Nick Neville to settle the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year title during the 37th annual Oktoberfest Weekend at LaCrosse.
The “Brothers Neville” preparing to go back where it all started; The I-70 (MO) Speedway and the North VS South All-Star Shootout/World Cup 200 awaits.
Derek Neville leads younger brother Nick Neville in the chase for the Appleton Rack and Pinions Rookie of the Year title heading to Michigan this weekend!
The “Brothers Neville” remain first and second in the Appleton Rack and Pinion Rookie of the Year points heading to Columbus 151 (WI) Speedway.
Buzz Motorsports with drivers Derek and Nick Neville within a point of the ASALMS Northern Division Rookie Points Lead.
