2004 Tank Coat 400

The 32nd race of the 2004 Season. Slider Petrolski spun and crashed into Dirkson D'Agostino and Ralph Carlow. Ponchy Wipeout has a DNS because he crashed in practice and he wasn't fixed up in time.

The King wins with Chick Hicks 2nd and Murray Clutchburn 3rd. No major crashes and the biggest crash took out 4 cars. It's named for Pinkie Pie and Spike. Rookie Sage VanDerSpin enters this race.

Only Slider, Dirkson, Ponchy and Ralph did not finish as the others did, including **JOHNNY BLAMER!!!**

This race, however, is most known for Mike Yankee's death in practice due to a stroke. The King dedicates his win to Mike. There is no footage of Mike's stroke, though there are some pictures. He was 57 and was born in either 1946 or 1947.

## Transcript

### Mike's Death Announced (1 day before the race)

Bob: We have sad news! (sniffs)

Darrell: This practice seemed to go okay until Mike Yankee. He suddenly suffered a stroke and then. HE DIED!

Bob: There are a couple of pictures of the stroke, although we don't have footage of it because the cameras on turn 3 and 4 were not able to function due to some problems. They will be fixed on race day though. Gasprin will return a race later with a new racer.

Darrell (crying): Mike's funeral will be a day after race day.

Bob (sad): Alright we will be back during race day.

### Mike's Funeral (1 day after the race)

Roger: NOOOO MIKE!!!! WE MISS YOU! (cries a bit)

Klint: HAHA! GOOD FOR YOU MIKE! YOU DID BEAT ME IN THE 1984 BRICKYARD 400!

The King: It's ok guys. I will be attending and so does my team.

Mike's Mom: No it's not! My son died **BEFORE** me!!!!!!!!!!! (cries)

Murray (sad): I feel bad for Mike. He's my friend.

Roger (bawling): Why did Mike die?

The King: From a stroke.

Luke (sad): Oh dear.

Gasprin Crew Chief (sad): Why!

Paul Martin (crying a bit): No!

Female Gasprin Pitty (crying): I miss you Mike.

Murray: Klint that wasn't very polite.

Klint: Ok sorry.

Murray: That's fine.

### Simulcast and Mike Yankee Tribute

(NCBC and RSN agreed to simulcast the race the day prior so Benny Pitstops could attend Mike Yankee's tribute in the broadcast booth)

COMMENTATORS: Alan Revwick and Benny Pitstops

Alan: Tonight, the racers of the Piston Cup Series will commemorate the life of a fallen comrade in Mike Yankee who died earlier this week. They are preparing for a polish victory lap around the racetrack with Mike Yankee's casket onboard.

Benny: Everyone was so perplexed and so saddened by Mike Yankee's death, he was a respected racer in the garage, and a much more respected person outside of it as well. You can trust me when I say that people such as Mike Yankee don't come along very often.

Alan: They're firing the engines for the one-lap salute now, so long Mike. We will all miss you.

(one lap silence)

### Finish

Alan: Final lap of the 2004 Tank Coat 400, and what a way to settle to this race than with The King and Chick Hicks in contention. The King blocks Chick Hicks as they come out of turn 2, they touch ever so slightly!

Benny: Be careful guys, we don't want this race of all things to end in controversy!

Alan: They're heading into turn 3, Chick Hicks will have one last shot at The King... he's not gonna get him! The King will come off of turn 4 and will score a memorable victory in the Tank Coat 400!

Benny: That's how you finish a race! Man, oh man!

## Standings

1. The King
2. Chick Hicks
3. Murray Clutchburn