Atwood Michigan preview

ATWOOD REVVING UP RED INTREPID FOR THE BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 5, 2001) - Casey Atwood likes to shop when he's on the road, and he hopes his trip to this weekend's Kmart 400 includes the ultimate blue light special - a trip to ...

ATWOOD REVVING UP RED INTREPID FOR THE BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 5, 2001) - Casey Atwood likes to shop when he's on the road, and he hopes his trip to this weekend's Kmart 400 includes the ultimate blue light special - a trip to victory lane for his red No. 19 Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T.

"It would be great to win anywhere, but it would be really special to win here," said Atwood, who has been the top rookie finisher twice this year. "It's going to be tough, but I think we'll be fine. I'm shooting for a top 20 this weekend, but a win would be great here in Dodge's backyard."

Atwood tested at Michigan International Speedway earlier this year, but weather conditions prevented a full day of practice and made his experience similar to being in a wind tunnel.

"It rained and the wind was blowing about 45 mph," said Atwood. "We really couldn't go very fast because it was blowing the car all over the place. It was really tough driving. But, I think we got what we needed. We worked on getting the attitude right with the shocks and springs."

The rookie driver plans to lean on his veteran owner and teammate for a little advice this weekend as he prepares for qualifying and the race.

"Bill and Ray have had a lot of success here," said Atwood. "I'm going to talk to Bill this weekend and see if he'll share his secrets with me. We're trying to dig ourselves out of a hole. We need to get consistent and have a good qualifying run here. We've had some good runs this year, but not as good of finishes. We can do better, and hopefully we will this weekend."

Atwood's initial experience with Michigan International Speedway wasn't pleasant. He was involved in a serious accident in practice during his time in the Busch Series, which left him unhurt but with a bad impression of the track.

"I started out not liking Michigan, but it's getting better," he said. "A good weekend would turn that around. It's a big track and it's pretty easy to pass. But, if we start up front, we don't have to pass everyone else."