Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 6, 1995 TAG: 9502070040
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PHOENIX LENGTH: Short
Skinner, who started 16th in the 33-truck field, brought his Chevrolet to the front on the 33rd lap, passing pole-sitter Ron Hornaday Jr.
Skinner remained in front for 30 more laps around the one-mile speedway before surrendering the advantage to Labonte's Chevrolet when he elected to pit for right-side tires.
Skinner moved into second place with 10 laps to go and stayed on Labonte's tail. When the race's sixth and final caution ended after lap 78, the stage was set for a two-lap shootout. Skinner immediately pulled alongside the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, and the pair fought side-by-side, rubbing fenders, until Skinner cleared his rival's truck entering the fourth turn.
He held on for the win despite nearly losing control of his truck completing the decisive pass.
The winning margin of victory was just 0.09 seconds. Skinner averaged 87.565 mph for the 80-mile distance. He won $15,750.
``I was looking to find Terry's weakness. He could beat us in the corner, so we needed to get him in the middle of the corners,'' Skinner said. ``Down the backstretch, we were hitting each other - just gentlemanly stuff - kind of saying hello to one another. I've driven alongside Terry before, and I wasn't worried about him wrecking, and he wasn't worried about wrecking me either.''
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB