Jeff Burton Darlington preview

<pre> Darlington Raceway facts Citgo Supergard #99 Ford Taurus Race Team

DRIVER: Jeff Burton CAR OWNER: Jack Roush

RACE EVENT: Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 Race No: 5 of 36 Darlington Raceway Darlington, SC 1.366-Mile Oval, 400.2 Miles/293 Laps Defending Champion: Ward Burton

DATES: Race: Sunday, March 18, 1pm E.S.T. Qualifying: Bud Pole, March 17, 10:40am E.S.T.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE:
TELEVISION: FOX (Live) 1pm E.S.T.
RADIO: MRN (Live) 12:30pm E.S.T

EVENT RECORDS: Qualifying: Ward Burton, 173.797 mph, 28.295 seconds, 3/22/96 Race Record (400 miles): David Pearson 132.699 mph, 5/11/68 (Rebel 400)

2000 EVENT STATS: Started: 27 Finished: 5

Darlington Raceway is a track that Jeff Burton has seen much success. In 1999, Burton dominated both Darlington events by taking home the victories. The first place finish at the Southern 500 earned Burton and a race fan a cool million dollars by winning the No Bull 500.

DARLINGTON RACEWAY RACE STATISTICS

Event: Mall.Com 400 Races: 7 Wins: 1 Top 5: 4 Top 10: 5 Times Led: 15 Laps Led: 320 Laps Completed: 1,863 Money Won: $ 359,010

Event: Southern 500 Races: 7 Wins: 1 Top 5: 4 Top 10: 5 Times Led: 14 Laps Led: 403 Laps Completed: 2,408 Money Won: $ 464,205

YOU HAVE HAD A LOT OF SUCCESS AT DARLINGTON, WHY IS THAT? It is a track that suits our race team. Weive been real successful at tracks that get slippery and where tire wear is an issue. And when it comes to a track where tire wear is crucial O Darlington is a perfect example. I have always liked that racetrack. I am comfortable at that track. Itis fun for me, and the team likes the track so that makes for a good race result.

IN 1998, YOU BATTLED GORDON FOR THE RACE WIN. DO YOU CONSIDER THAT FINISH A HIGHLIGHT IN YOU CAREER? (1998 Pepsi 500) It certainly has been one of NASCARis highlights. Certainly not one of my highlights but it made for good viewing for the race fans at home watching and those fans in the stands. It did bring a lot of attention to me and it was a good race. It definitely was a race that was good for us. It focused peopleis eyes on us.

-CMG