NASCAR Cup
Bristol: Pole winner's press conference quotes
RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge) -- Wins Third Pole of Season, Fifth straight for Dodge "You basically just go as fast as you can with what you've got to work with. We set the bar last spring here and we came back last fall and didn't qualify as ...
Published: Mar 28, 2004, 3:04 PM
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RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge) -- Wins Third Pole of Season, Fifth straight for Dodge
"You basically just go as fast as you can with what you've got to work with. We set the bar last spring here and we came back last fall and didn't qualify as good. We were more competitive in the race. This time we're looking forward to being competitive in qualifying and in the race. Practice tomorrow is going to be important.
"It's equally important to be patient when you don't have a car that's handling. It's easy to get spun out here, so patience is a virtue in all situations.
"I think we tested here two years ago. We didn't test here this year or last year. To get around this place as fast as we did is not simple by any means. You've got to hit your marks, but you've got to hit your marks everywhere.
"You've got to get your car set up for the long runs and if you do that they're usually not that good on the short runs. You're out there a long time on a half-mile racetrack.
"(Snapping your fingers) is a little quicker (than a sub-15-second lap). Sitting in the car it never seems as fast speed wise or time wise. Even at Indianapolis where we're going close to 200 mph in turn one, it never feels like 200 until you hit something. Here, it's rough and you start falling out of the seat with all the G-forces. It goes quicker when the car's not handling right.
"(Qualifying) is more for bragging rights. Let's put it this way. They don't give points for qualifying and rarely do they pay money to the guy who sits on the pole. It's all about getting a good starting spot for Sunday and getting a good pit selection. You prove you've got the fastest car, and that starts the weekend off right. It's easier to stay on top of the hill than it is to climb the hill.
"I figured it would take an .88 or .85 to win the pole. That's why I said I didn't think my lap would hold up for the pole. I thought Jeff or Junior would have a good shot at it. It just worked out good for us.
"It's a team sport, and I don't amaze myself. Matt Borland doesn't amaze himself. It's all about teamwork and amazing other people. I guess that's what it's all about.
"It's a concerned (slower cars), but it's no bigger concern than it was last week. I never saw Gordon's wreck last week, but I don't think the accident was the field filler's fault."
-dodge motorsports-
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