NASCAR Cup

Daytona 500: Scott Wimmer preview

Scott Wimmer on Competing for Rookie of the Year-- "One of our goals for the 2004 season is to win the rookie of the year title," said Wimmer. "I believe it has some really tough competition in the rookie class this year, but I still think we ...

Edited: Feb 6, 2004, 2:39 AM

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Scott Wimmer on Competing for Rookie of the Year--

"One of our goals for the 2004 season is to win the rookie of the year title," said Wimmer. "I believe it has some really tough competition in the rookie class this year, but I still think we have just as good a chance to win the title as anyone else does. We were able to get a jumpstart on this year by running the last four races of 2003 together and we tested twice before the year was over and I think we ran very respectable, especially everywhere that we tested. We got a top 10 finish in our second race together and then ran very well at Homestead, so I think we all have the confidence that is needed to get the job done. I think it is a realistic goal of ours, but I also think that the winner will have to be a contender most of the year, maybe even win a race or two and just run consistently all season. I wouldn't count a rookie out of the top 10 in the final standings either. The last half of the year will definitely decide the contenders and the final 10 races will decide the winner."

Scott Wimmer on the Daytona test--

"It was really good to get down there and test. It fell during the week that Jody and I had planned to get married, but I was really glad that I got down there to test at least one day. I needed to get comfortable in the cup car and work with the guys too. I've never been to Daytona or any other plate race in a cup car so it was really important for me to get in the car, even if it was just for one day to get a feel for the car. Bill Davis Racing has a tremendous plate program. Their engines are always stout and the cars are very competitive, so I think we are in good shape. Obviously the #22 won the race a couple of years ago, so that gives us some confidence too."

Scott Wimmer on Joining the CAT family--

"It's definitely exciting to be racing in front of all the CAT fans. Daytona already is a very special place to race, but when you can get in front of the many CAT fans then it gives you another boost. I know they have a very large following inside of Caterpillar and they actually have an organized motorsports group where they travel to races and cheer the CAT car on. I think there are over 600 members, so we'll try and put on a good show for them. The support of the Caterpillar group is overwhelming and I am certainly looking forward to meeting all of them."

Wimmer Happenings at Daytona--
* Wimmer will sign at the #22 Caterpillar souvenir hauler on Saturday, February 7 from 5 -- 6 p.m. and Thursday, February 12 from 5 -- 6 p.m.
* Wimmer will participate in a fan forum at Daytona USA on Wednesday, February 11 from 12:30 -- 1:00 p.m.
* Wimmer will be a guest in Fast Talk, broadcast LIVE from Volusia Mall on Thursday, February 12 from 6:25 -- 7:00 p.m.

Cat equipment for the Daytona 500--
* Wimmer and the No. 22 Caterpillar team are taking car #62 to Daytona International Speedway. It is the same chassis that was raced in last year's Daytona 500, but has a brand new body hung on it. It was the better of the two cars that the team tested last month at Daytona International Speedway. Car #77 will serve as the back up car, the same car that was raced in last year's Budweiser Shootout.

-bdr-

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