BUSCH: Dover II: Stacy Compton race notes

Compton and "The Stones" at Dover

Dover, DE September 21,2002 - The Rolling Stones were in concert in nearby Philadelphia, PA this weekend and their legendary hit, "I Can't Get No" was an appropriate summary of the weekend for Stacy Compton - in Compton's case it was track position rather than satisfaction that he was looking for.

A new tire compound from Goodyear left the Kingsford/Johnsonville team perplexed throughout the practice sessions and Compton did a great job in qualifying to pick up speed and start 20th on the grid. Major changes to the set-up on race morning made the car handle better than it had all weekend, and Compton was a fast as the leaders for most of the race. However, heavy traffic and few cautions made it difficult to gain track position. Reflected Compton, "The guys made some smart calls on race morning. We were still too tight but we were fast enough to run with the leaders. We just couldn't get out of traffic long enough to make our way up to them. Anyone who got out front in clean air today was able to check-out on the field. We'll take our finish and try to get back to qualifying in the top 10 next week like we have all year."

Commented Crew Chief Steve Plattenberger, "The results this weekend weren't what we wanted but I was really proud of everyone on this team. It's easy to work together when everything is going your way. We really struggled to figure out this new softer tire from Goodyear, and it took an outstanding effort by every member of the team to get the car as fast as it was in the race today. Sometimes it takes tough weekends to assess how strong your crew really is. I was pleased with the way everyone worked together in the face of adversity."

Scott Wimmer got track position on a final pit stop and easily won his first NASCAR Busch Series race. Compton finished 15th and remains 12th in the points standings. The teams head to the year-old Kansas City facility this weekend for the Mr. Goodcents 300 on Saturday.

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