Terry Cook Looking For Continued Success at California Speedway

(MOORESVILLE, N.C.) – Terry Cook, driver of the No. 10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International race truck, knows California Speedway very well.  The two-mile speedway is similar to his home track, Michigan International Speedway, where he recorded a seventh-place finish earlier this year.  The Sylvania, Ohio native has earned two top-10 finishes in his last three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts with ppc Racing, including last week in Las Vegas.  Could Cook’s late-season run continue this weekend in California?

“We’re planning on bringing the same the truck from Las Vegas,” said Cook, who has three top-10 finishes at California Speedway.  “It’s a brand new truck.  We’re starting to build an arsenal of equipment, some really good trucks that will be very competitive at ppc Racing.  It’ll be exciting to race under the lights in Fontana (Calif.).  California Speedway is an aerodynamic track.  It’s an aero-sensitive, aero-dependent racing facility where you have to work with not only your chassis configuration but your aero package as well.  Hopefully the weekend will all work out in our favor with the Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International truck with a good qualifying spot and a good, solid finish.”

Cook is used to racing during the daytime at California Speedway, however, this year will be different.  With the event beginning at dust and racing into the night, Cook and the ppc Racing crew will adjust accordingly to the changing conditions using the same Robert Yates engine from Las Vegas and Michigan.

“I watched the Cup race and saw some of the scenarios the teams fought throughout the race,” said Cook.  “One of the scenarios was the sun setting behind turn three.  The drivers were getting blinded going down the backstretch exiting turn two.  I guess it will be a twilight doubleheader; the race starting in the day and ending at night.  To prepare, we’ll have to make sure we’ve got enough tape on the windshield.  We’ll adjust to deal with the conditions that are out there.”

 

About International Truck and Engine Corp. . . .

International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV).  International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, bus chassis and a provider of parts and service sold under the International brand.  The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets.  Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company will build medium commercial trucks and currently sells truck and diesel engine service parts.  A subsidiary, IC Corporation, produces integrated school buses.  International Truck and Engine has the broadest distribution network in the industry.  Financing for customers and dealers is provided through a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar.  Additional information can be found on the company’s Web site at www.internationaldelivers.com.

 
About ppc Racing . . .

Based in Mooresville, N.C., ppc Racing enters its first season of competition in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with driver Terry Cook and the No. 10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International race team.  ppc Racing continues its competition in the NASCAR Busch Series, its fifth season, with driver Jason Keller in the No. 22 Miller High Life Ford Taurus.  With co-owners Greg Pollex and Keith Barnwell, ppc Racing earned the 2000 NASCAR Busch Series championship and has scored 27 wins and more than 150 top-five finishes as it enters the 2004 season.  For more information, please visit www.ppcracing.com.