Bobby Hamilton Jr. came to the land of lady luck looking for good fortune but rolled a pair of snakes eyes. Hamilton Jr. was making a strong run to the front of the pack in his No. 18 Fastenal Dodge when a cut right front tire sent him careening into the outside retaining wall on lap 51 of the Smith’s 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Hamilton Jr.’s misfortune relegated him to a 26th place finish.

No. 18 Fastenal Dodge Las Vegas Race Recap

• Hamilton Jr. qualified his Fastenal Dodge in the 17th position.

• On lap 21 he radioed his crew that “We are tight when we are behind other trucks.”

• Hamilton Jr. brought his Fastenal Dodge down pit road under caution on lap 25 for four fresh Goodyear Wrangler tires and a full load of Sunoco fuel. His crew also made a chassis adjustment – four rounds up on the track bar.

• After ensuing restart Hamilton Jr. was slotted in the 27th position but rocketed his way forward, climbing up to 15th by lap 47. He informed crew chief Danny Gill that “It is a little bit better but still a little snug when we are tucked up behind someone. It is tight enough that I have to back off getting into turn one.” Hamilton Jr.

• On lap 51 disaster struck, Hamilton Jr. came over the radio and informed his crew “I think we just cut a tire.” The Fastenal Dodge made contact with the outside retaining wall entering turn three and the remains of his cut Goodyear tire shredded the right front fender and accompanying body work.

• Hamilton Jr. pitted on lap 52 to repair the extensive damage and returned to the action one lap down. His truck was surprisingly quick despite the lack of a right front fender.

• Hamilton Jr. received NASCAR’s coveted lucky dog came down pit road again on lap 76 after Chad Chaffin brought out the caution. The Fastenal Dodge crew worked feverishly to attach a new right front fender. Unfortunately the repairs did not hold and Hamilton was forced to make a green flag pit stop and lost four laps to the leaders.