DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- While just about everyone involved in racing dreams of competing at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, Barry Fitzgerald of Westminster made his dream a reality when he finished 26th in the 17th Florida 200 on Friday.
Fitzgerald started 40th in the 42-car field and began moving up when he began drafting with Duaine Haines of Seminole, Fla. Just as the two cars advanced two spots, Fitzgerald's left rear tire blew going into the third turn, bringing out the first caution nine laps into the race.
"The left tire just blew," said Fitzgerald. "I did what NASCAR told us in the rookie meeting, lock the wheels to the left and lock the TC brakes."
Superb driving kept Fitzgerald down low out of oncoming traffic and enabled him to get back to the garage to repair the damage.
The blown tire damaged the rear quarter panel, but the crew was able to patch the fender, and Fitzgerald returned to the race 20 laps later.
The Florida 200 has a high rate of mechanical failures, and only 20 cars were running at the end of the 80-lap, 200-mile event.
In a field that included 13 rookies, Fitzgerald was seventh-highest finisher.
"I am real happy being able to finish," said the 40-year-old rookie driver. "After the blowout, the car handled real good. I learned a lot out there today. My crew chief did a good job for me."
For the past year, Fitzgerald has been working on a ride for the Goody's Dash Series.
Once Fitzgerald secured the ride in the Floyd Weaver Racing Chevrolet Cavalier out of Shelby, N.C., he attended a rookie evaluation session at Daytona in January. The test session on the high-banked oval was Fitzgerald's first time behind the wheel of the new car.
In less than two days, Fitzgerald had to become comfortable with the car and take several laps at adequate speeds to be eligible for the biggest event on the schedule.
Once he passed evaluation, Fitzgerald began his search for sponsor support. Vass & Hastings of Westminster and Barnes Service Center of Westminster were the first to back him. They were joined by Greg and Brenda Martindale of Taylorsville and Sam's Body Shop in Winfield.
The Florida 200 is part of Speedweek festivities at Daytona conducted right before the 500 for the NASCAR Winston Cup cars. The 200-mile event kicked off the 19-race NASCAR Goody's Dash Series that Fitzgerald plans to compete in.
Fitzgerald arrived a week before the race for registration, inspection and a meeting for rookies. NASCAR drivers Steve Grissom and David Green along with Dash driver Scott Weaver briefed the rookies. They explained various characteristics of the 2.5-mile tri-oval that could cause problems for drivers during the race.
Fitzgerald was able to get some track time Monday afternoon and again Tuesday morning before the first round of qualifying Tuesday afternoon. His was the last car to qualify in the field of 46 hopefuls.
Being the last out during time trials added to Fitzgerald's nervousness, but although a rookie in the Dash Series, Fitzgerald's long experience on local short tracks helped him ride out the long waiting period.
Fitzgerald was 32nd-fastest in the first round with a speed of 145.896 mph, good enough to make the race.
Fitzgerald's crew chief, Jason Covert, decided to pass Wednesday's second-round qualifying after experiencing mechanical problems in a practice session, taking the time from the first round. Eight cars turned in faster times, but Fitzgerald's time was still good enough to make the field.
Fitzgerald's Cavalier is powered by a 320-horsepower, 2.7-liter, four-cylinder motor with a 13:1 compression and is capable of reaching 165 mph. The car weighs 2,800 pounds.
Fitzgerald began his career in 1973 racing mini-stocks on the short tracks at Potomac Speedway in Budds Creek, Md., Winchester Speedway in Virginia and the Lincoln Speedway in Hanover, Pa. Last year, he raced late models at Path Valley Speedway in Spring Run, Pa., and Heston Speedway in Heston, Pa.
Several Carroll countians made the trip to Daytona as part of the team. Jimmy Smithson of Sykesville is the head mechanic. Other members include George Zittle of Sykesville, Bruce Fleming of Frederick, Matt and Steve Barnes, Amanda Russell and Debbie Seabrease, all of Westminster. Barry was also accompanied by his brothers, Royce and Ralph Jr., and father Ralph Sr.