NASCAR Cup
Fontana: Ward Burton preview
"We've had some decent runs at California since it opened a few years ago. Obviously, I didn't have a very good finish last year when I had to spend a couple nights at the hospital after we wrecked, but I think all that can change this year. We ...
Published: Apr 25, 2002, 11:45 AM
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"We've had some decent runs at California since it opened a few years ago. Obviously, I didn't have a very good finish last year when I had to spend a couple nights at the hospital after we wrecked, but I think all that can change this year. We just need to have some more of that racing luck we had last week at Talladega."
-Ward Burton, driver of the Caterpillar Racing Dodge
California Speedway
Napa Auto Parts 500
Burton On Last Week'S Race At Talladega...
"It was a frustrating day for me. We had such a good car at Daytona and I believe everyone can agree with that. Then we had to build another car since our winning car is on display at Daytona USA. Todd (Holbert, lead engineer at BDR), Tommy (Baldwin) and the rest of the team have worked real hard at trying to duplicate that chassis, but we've come up short every time we've tried. I don't think we had a bad car on Sunday, I just couldn't find a lane that would work for me. The middle seemed to be the best, but as soon as other cars got around me I couldn't make it work. I fought that for 500 miles. We had great racing luck when we avoided the big wreck, but it was as close as it was in Daytona. I am real glad we missed that, but wish we could have finished better than 15th."
Burton On California...
"The last time I left this race track I was hurt, so I am hoping for anything other than that. We were running really good until Mark (Martin) got us. It wasn't intentional, but it happened. I think we probably had the best car we've ever had there. We were one of the fastest cars there for the entire weekend and I am sure that this weekend can bring some more of that.
"California is a track like no other one we race at. It has similar characteristics to Michigan, but it is completely different. It is a track that requires a lot of finesse. If you drive too hard, particularly in the corners, then you are definitely going to be slower. You need to set your marks early and follow through with them for the entire weekend."
Fast Facts...
The No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge team returns to California Speedway with car #58. This particular chassis had a lot of success late in the 2001 season. It competed at New Hampshire and Homestead last year. In 2002, car #58 has raced at Las Vegas
Ward Burton and the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge can be seen all week on the Wheel of Fortune. Burton and celebrity host Vanna White filmed slots for the Wheel of Fortune's NASCAR-themed week during the Las Vegas race weekend.
-bdr-
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