Brent Gagne gets 2nd Place At Daytona!

Congratulations Brent on putting your #01 Chevy in grabbing 2nd place at a wild finish here at Daytona! What was going through your mind coming back to the line when the last caution came out?

I couldn't believe it when that happened...after that caution flew..I then knew I had locked 2nd,which was a good end to a wild Daytona run for me.I was hopeing to run the 54 car down..but had no time or laps left.I'm happy with the results..it was a awesome run for me otherwise

You showed your car could run with the leaders all night long. How was the car handling with damage in the draft? Looser? Tighter?

She was a hand-full loose in..due to my rear deck was tweaked some.i had to work with the car..letting it tell me where it wanted to be,i then had to make a deal where me and the car would both be happy,the car was still good in the draft,as long as the hole in front of me was big to go through

Could you say this is a “Right place, Right Time” situation? LOL

Oh yes!!!!!! very much so :>)

On Lap 70, you and the #39 got together in the trioval. What did Brent Gagne do to keep his composure for the the remaining laps after that incident?

I was there on the bottom,but not under the line..My spotter was getting a good work-out calling "outside"....I don't know if the 39 got pinched into me..or didn't know I was there...we bumped...I was so focused on holding the line which worked to keep the car under me.Once you scrub the apron..it really upsets the car...keeping her steady helped a bunch from going up across traffic into the wall.I then saw the 39 car fade to my right.Wonder again if he had someone on the outside of him.I'm sure he would have stayed side-by-side with me...we just didn't hit hard enough to cause that much trouble.

Did you have a drafting help, or “pacts” made prior to the race as what is so commonly needed for superspeedways? LOL

Like to take this time to thank the 54 (Don) and 109 (Dan) for help.We all worked as a team..made the race a whole lot easier to deal with.You just can't run at Tona all by yourself at the start.You need help.These guys helped a bunch.its because of thier patience is what we all must do to get to the front at these plate tracks.they raced me clean and fair,I respect that..I will do the same also for them...thats what racing is all about.

In preparing for this race with your setup, anything you can say is the key to why you were able to run upfront?

LOL....drive with your finger tips.Shocks...shocks...shocks...and of course tape. :>) i worked the set-up for 3 hours one night on my own.I also saught advice from the real driver of the car I crew on up here in the Busch North series...MAN!! on the nose was his call.The car did what he said it would do (that is if Papy designed this sim right..which they have) You have to keep the nose down..more so on that left front.Car was heating up a bit,so the ole half-car sticking out in the corners helped keep the temp in check.

What is the goals or expectations for the reminder of the season for Brent Gagne as driver?

This being my rookie season..I want to be consistent..thats what wins championships

In the last 3 races, you’ve had 2 top ten finishes now, happy or disappointed with those performances?

Oh very pleased...next step is winning...:>)

Next 4 racetracks are New Hampshire, Pocono, Indy, and then a Road Course at Watkins Glen. 1st thing that opos in your head when you think of those tracks?

Hmmm..let me break it down this way

New Hampshire----> Strong there..home track...feel awesome about my chances of winning.

Pocono-------> Car set-up will not re-act the same in all 3 corners....to shift...or not to shift.

Indy---->Will be the first time there for me this season..sorry..don't know yet..lolol

Watkins Glen----> Um..er ....ah...I'll get back to you on that :>)

Congratulations on your 2ndd place finish tonight again Brent! Pleasure speaking with you, and thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Do you have anything you’d like to say or add before we conclude?

Like to thank all the great people here at SORS East for the great racing times so far in this season. Hopeing for sponsorship deal for 03, and hope for a top 10 finish this season in points

Mike Steger, SORS East reporter reporting from Datyona Super Speedway!