2013 Race 46 (Rockford 200)

TDR Do the Double!

By virtue of his finish compared to Rip Tyler's finish tonight in the Rockford 200, Joseph Howard has become the first driver in history to win a TM Master Cup Series championship and an ARLA Elite Series championship. He can thank Herbie Finkleberg for edging Rip Tyler to the line on the last lap of the race.

Team owner Tom Delgado was disgusted when he thought the team had lost the title because of Tyler's 2nd place finish, as he was heard muttering "So damn close...", but his disgust turned to jubilation and relief when informed that Howard had won the title by 4 points.

"I thought we had given it away on that last restart, I really did. It was really squeaky bum time, but we got through it and here we are, 2013 ARLA Elite Series owner's champion! Joseph did an amazing job all year, and I'll always be grateful to him for bringing the championship home. He's got a job for life if he wants it. I could never repay him for the success he's brought us" Delgado said on pit road.

Meanwhile, by starting the Rockford 200, Jim Hayes secured the rookie of the year award. He finished 12th in the points standings after being in the top 10 for most of the season. "Jim's gonna be fighting for the championship in 2014. A lot of people criticized me for signing him, but he's a great driver and he has all the potential in the world. I stuck by him, and my faith was rewarded." Delgado said of Hayes.

Fire leaves Daniel Diamond dead following the Rockford 200

Shortly after the Rockford 200 concluded, a fire broke out in the hauler owned by Daniel Diamond. The fire was under control almost immediately, however the fire department did not get to Daniel Diamond in time to save him. Authorities say that the fire was consistent with Diamond starting it himself. Shortly before the fire, Diamond had uploaded a video to popular video sharing site UT00B regarding his "exit from this world" in preparation for the "apocalypse of the millennium" and to join the Epsilon Program before it was too late. Diamond had attempted a cult-like suicide earlier in the season at Texas.

Daniel Diamond made a quiet exit early in the 200, finishing last. His reason for retirement at the moment is unknown.

Running a part time schedule for New World Orphans, Daniel Diamond showed excellent driving skill with numerous top ten runs, and a runner up finish at Oxford Plains. He was 27 years old.

I guess you can say Rip Tyler got ripped

Lester pleased with Rockford 200 showing despite dropping out

Casey Lester: Man, it doesn't matter that I didn't finish. I felt like I was decently competitive for the first half and had a real chance at a good finish. The car didn't quite agree with that, though, and we fell by the wayside. The guys put an awesome car together and they'll certainly be making more come next season.