Kruger makes the rounds at NASCAR

March 2, 2009 by Sage Sammons 

UNLV coach selected as grand marshall of Sam’s Town 300

Inspiring words are always a big tool in coaching. Words are used to motivate player or ask a referee about a questionable call. But Runnin’ Rebels head coach Lon Kruger came to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday saying a sentence much different than one heard by fans at the Thomas & Mack.

In front of thousands of anxious fans awaiting a thunder of erupting engines, Kruger exclaimed, “Gentlemen start your engines.”

It was the only line Kruger said as the grand marshall of Saturday’s Sam’s Town 300.

“It was a big honor,” Kruger said. “I really appreciate the opportunity and had a lot of fun with it.”

When Kruger was asked how many times he had practiced the iconic phrase, he laughed.

“Not too much, really,” Kruger said. “It wasn’t too demanding of me.”

As the GM, Kruger had the opportunity to shake each driver’s hand as they were introduced.  Everyone went by as he said good luck, but one paused for a second and caught a few words with the head coach.

Rookie driver Brendan Gaughan, the son of South Point owner Michael Gaughan, took an extra moment with Kruger during the introductions before jumping into the No. 62 car for the race’s opening.

Gaughan and Kruger have had many conversations over the years, but usually over their shared sport — basketball.  Despite being born into a racing family, Gaughan was a two-sport athlete at Georgetown. 

He was a Division-I AA football player for the Hoyas as a placekicker and was on the basketball team under legendary head coach John Thompson.  But Gaughan has drawn more attention for his sleeping arrangements than for his on-court exploits. While at Georgetown Gaughan roomed with the Detroit Pistons’ Allen Iverson.

“I talked with Brendan for a second,” Kruger said. “Just wished him luck and he said he was a big basketball fan.”

Numerous caution flags made the race fairly lengthy Two red flags slowed the pace to a near hault.

“It was a good race but I left early because of all the cautions,” Kruger said.

On the eve of March, with the Rebels having hit some late-season bumps the race was a good retreat for Kruger.  

He said he had the chance to learn a little bit about racing, which he admittedly knew little about.  Kruger was given the full experience, from touring Carl Edwards’ hauler to sitting in pit row boxes.

“It was just really cool,” Kruger said. “You have to respect what those guys do.”