Richmond: Matt Kenseth preview

Pontiac Excitement 400
Richmond International Speedway
Richmond, Va
May 4, 2002

Matt Kenseth's thoughts on racing at Richmond International Speedway:
"Since the Richmond races are at night, we can pretty much take the same setup we had last time, fine tune it, and apply it to the race. Last fall we were caught in a wreck, so I'm hoping that does not happen this weekend. Things happen quick at Richmond."

"Overall, we usually run pretty well in Richmond. I like the .75 mile track and its banking. It makes for some great racing. I also like the night races because it's exciting for the drivers and the fans."

Crew Chief Robbie Reiser's thoughts on Richmond:
"The last two races we have really been pretty bad for us. I don't think its anything to worry about. We just had two bad races but when you are chasing a championship everything counts. Last spring we ran well at Richmond, so we're basically looking for the same performance. In Talladega, we ran well and got caught up in a wreck, and sometimes you just miss it, and we did just that in California."

Spotter Mike Calinoff's views from above Richmond International Speedway:
"I like spotting Richmond because I enjoy the night races. The only major problem there is that they apply a track sealer prior to the race and when cars spin it creates a thick wall of smoke -- it makes my job just a little tougher."

NOTES OF INTEREST:
Third in the points
Kenseth is third in the point standings- just nine points shy of second place Kurt Busch.

Get well Jeff...
Jeff Vandermoss, car chief and jackman for the 17 car, missed the race in California due to a possible hip injury. He hopes to be back in action soon. Russ Strupp, crew chief of Reiser Enterprises No. 17 Busch Series car filled in for the weekend.

New Reisers
Congratulations to Robbie and Tracy Reiser on the birth of twin boys, Reed and Rhett on April 29th. The Reiser's have a son Ryan, and are all doing well.

Ford Fan Day Kenseth Appearance
Kenseth sign autographs at the Ford Fan Day on Thursday, May 2nd at the Richmond Coliseum from 4-5:30pm.

DEWALT Million Dollar Challenge Be the fastest to drive five screws into a piece of wood and you could have a chance to win a million dollars during a nationwide contest from DEWALT Power Tools. DEWALT, the familiar yellow-and-black power tool company, is launching the Million Dollar Challenge, a promotion that runs from April to November to see who's quickest with a cordless drill.

DEWALT will hold qualifying events in more than 50 cities nationwide, stopping at various power tool distributors, construction sites, NASCAR races, and other special venues to see who can drive screws the fastest. Those with the fastest times from each city will advance to one of 16 regional contests, which will be held at select Chevrolet Truck dealerships throughout the country. From there, the top 16 winners will each receive a new 2003 Chevy Express utility van filled with DEWALT tools. They also earn an expense paid trip to the Million Dollar Challenge finals to be held November 8-10 in Phoenix, AZ during NASCAR's race weekend.

During the final round, the 16 contestants will compete to see who will become America's fastest screw driver. The champion will win a chance to beat the clock for a million dollar prize in front of 110,000 fans at the Winston Cup race.

The DEWALT Million Dollar Challenge is presented by DEWALT Power Tools and Accessories, Chevrolet Trucks, Bombardier ATVs and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau. (Courtesy Todd Walter, SWB)

-jrr/dewalt-