Dover II: Greg Biffle preview

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 18, 2002) -- Third time's a charm, right? If you adhere to that adage, then this weekend's MBNA.com 400 is a shooin for Schneider Electric interim driver Greg Biffle, who is filling in for the third time for injured driver Bobby Hamilton. But Biffle does not need any extra help on Dover Downs International Speedway's one-mile oval.

When he last raced at Dover in June, he led 130 of the 200 laps and dominated a field of 43 Busch Series cars before he drove his Ford into victory lane. And since he has temporarily taken over as the driver of the No. 55 Chevrolet, he has done a tremendous job for the Andy Petree Racing team. In just two starts Biffle led laps at Richmond International Raceway and qualified fourth for last weekend's race in Loudon.

So how does Biffle feel this week going into his third race in the No. 55 Chevy? He discusses the morale boost it's given him and the valuable experience he is gaining behind the wheel of a Winston Cup car.

Greg, what can you tell us about how long you will be in the Schneider Electric Chevy?

"I'll be in the car until Bobby comes back. It'll probably be the next three to four races -- this weekend, Kansas City, Talladega and Charlotte. We may end up running a Cup race in Atlanta with my Busch Series sponsor, Grainger. And if that happens then I may end up skipping Talladega. It's a lot easier to get a driver for Talladega than anywhere else. That way I still get my weekend off."

How does this affect your rookie status for next season?

"That will keep me right within seven races to hold my rookie status. I've already raced in the Fontana race earlier this year and will fill in for Bobby for up to six races. But it looks like Bobby is coming back really quickly. Hopefully he'll be back before long, but at this point he should be ready for Martinsville. (Hamilton is planning a test session in Martinsville with the team prior to the Charlotte race. If the test session goes well and Hamilton feels strong enough to drive the No. 55 Chevy for an extended period of time, he will pilot the car in Charlotte. Otherwise his scheduled return time is Martinsville, a track where Hamilton has proven success.)

The battles between manufacturers in the garage area are strong and ongoing. You are a Ford person driving a Chevrolet. How did that all come about and go over?

"This whole garage area is one big family. When Bobby got hurt, they needed someone to help out. Ford and Chevrolet saw both sides of the issue. Jack (Roush) was pretty happy that they would offer for me to fill in and I'm glad we can help them out. I'm gaining experience more than anything. I'm out here trying to stay out of these guys' way and fight for every piece of real estate I can get."

How valuable is the seat time?

"It's really valuable. This has been a tremendous confidence booster for me to go to these races and run well. After I missed the Michigan Cup race, I was wondering if I had the ability. It turns out that it looks like we're going to be able to. I've got a few more chances this season to get a win in the Schneider Electric car and hopefully we can do that."

-bhr-