Phoenix: Todd Bodine preview

FROM THE NO. 54 NATIONAL GUARD COCKPIT: DRIVER TODD BODINE

Going into Phoenix, what is the biggest area of interest for you when setting up the car for you to drive?

"We need to do everything we can to get the car to turn. It's the biggest thing I ask for when trying to get the car to handle the way I need it. Usually, my biggest complaint over the last couple of races has been tight in turns one and two. When it comes to turns three and four, we've been loose off. So, I have Gary (Cogswell) already thinking about ways we can combat those problems."

FROM THE NO. 54 NATIONAL GUARD WAR WAGON: CREW CHIEF GARY COGSWELL

What's your impression of Phoenix?

"I really enjoy going to Phoenix. It's a real challenge. It reminds me of Richmond and the old Homestead track. Turns one and two at Phoenix are like turns three and four at Richmond. It requires a lot of braking. Meanwhile, turns three and four are like the old Homestead turns. You need a good aero package. You want to be able to carry your momentum the whole way through the long, sweeping turns without braking.

The biggest challenge for me is to find the right balance between two very distinct ends of the track. You have to keep your focus on all the way around Phoenix. Since Todd wants to be able to turn the car, we've got to work on what it takes to do that in each particular corner. It's a challenge because you can easily put more emphasis on one end versus another. The key is to try and pick out things that will work and yet, minimize or take away very little from the opposite turn."