Catchfence

Brett Butler was poised to grab another Top 15 and grab another “Rookie of the Race” award but with just 12 laps to remaining in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway, all that vanished.

After qualifying was cancelled, due to heavy rains in the area, Butler and the #47 Fuel Doctor USA “Green Machine” started the race based off 2009 Owner Standings in the 20th position. The Georgia native made quick work of several trucks and marched his way towards the front of the field.

“The FD-47 truck was handling very well and with all the wrecks happening, it was obviously going to be a long day avoiding the carnage”, stated Butler.

Butler kept the nose of his Chevy clean and on lap 137, found himself on a restart in the 5th position. “We knew that we had some heavy hitters behind us like Harvick and Sauter and we needed to be patiently-aggressive to get through the restart.”

Brett drove into turn one on the bottom when the #3 truck drove onto the curb and hopped into the #47’s left rear tire cutting it down instantly.

Butler bounced off trucks left and right until the #60 crashed into the rear of the truck before he could get to pit road.

The crew went to work over the next few stops to return Brett to action and back into the 16th position.

“The guys really worked hard on getting all the damage off the tires and kept us in contention,” stated Brett.

With just twelve laps remaining, the Fuel Doctor 47 truck lost all power and the driver was left to coast in on the backstretch.

“This is really heartbreaking. The truck was good enough for a Top 15 and to watch it vanish is difficult. The whole team is crushed, but I know they will give it their all at Nashville next week.”

- Rick Ware Racing Press Release