NASCAR
SWS: Tucson: David Gilliland preview
CHINO, Calif. (September 18, 2003) -- Coming off of two back-to-back victories in the NASCAR Elite Division, Featherlite Southwest Series, David Gilliland, driver of the ...
Edited: Dec 21, 2003, 10:27 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
CHINO, Calif. (September 18, 2003) -- Coming off of two back-to-back victories in the NASCAR Elite Division, Featherlite Southwest Series, David Gilliland, driver of the #11 Centrifugal Tech/Condenser & Chiller/Luke's Chevrolet, is geared up and ready to head to Tucson Raceway Park for the "John Baker" 150.
Being the series lap leader, with over twice as many laps lead as any other driver in the NFSWS, it is apparent that Gilliland recognizes what it takes to get the proper set-up for a car capable of slicing through a field and remaining up front.
He is also one of a few drivers that recently took advantage of an open test session at the 3/8-mile short track, Gilliland, is hoping the extra track time will give him a jumpstart on the competition.
"We were able to get a [test] session in recently and were pleased with the results we got out of it," said Gilliland. "I am really excited for this event, we have a unique opportunity this year to just go out and work on a winning setup and not really have the distractions of a points chase."
Despite the fact that the team had a slow start early in the season, they have worked their way into the top-4 position in the points chase. Over the last four races Gilliland has won 3 races and accumulated more points than any other driver. While mathematically still in the hunt for the championship, Gilliland remains more of a realist.
"We were not very proud of the start of this season. We had a few decent runs, but they were overshadowed by a few mistakes that have probably cost us a decent shot at the title for 2003," admitted Gilliland. "But you can't look back at what could have been, you always have to look ahead at what might be. What this team has become in the latter half of the year is something short of incredible."
"There isn't any particular key to our recent string of successes. A few mechanical problems earlier this year that kept me from contention on winning a few races that we should have won," stated Gilliland. "My wife, Michelle, deserves a big thanks, she has been extremely supportive this season, allowing me to work on the car into the early morning hours getting everything dialed in for the next event."
Gilliland was thankful to Tucson Raceway Park and its staff for naming this event in honor of late fellow competitor, John Baker.
"Our intent at every race is to win. The event at Tucson will be a special honor for whichever driver takes the victory, for they will be given the chance to publicly acknowledge how deeply John Baker is missed. I certainly would like that opportunity, I don't think I have gone to a race since we lost him that he has not crossed my mind."
With limited time left to complete the car, Gilliland is leaving nothing up to chance, except what to do if by chance he wins thee-in-a-row. The team is banking on his determination and skill to shine through at the event to produce the best possible result. The same key factors that have made him the most triumphant driver on the NFSWS circuit this year.
-www.davidgilliland.com.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article SWS: Tucson: Round eleven preview
Next article Southampton Motor Speedway update 2003-09-20
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
David Gilliland
Experience beats youth in latest father vs. son battle
NASCAR Truck
NASCAR Truck
Experience beats youth in latest father vs. son battle
Five things to watch in Friday's NASCAR Truck race at Dover
NASCAR Truck
NASCAR Truck
Five things to watch in Friday's NASCAR Truck race at Dover
David Gilliland gives RBR a top 15 finish in first Daytona 500
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Daytona 500
David Gilliland gives RBR a top 15 finish in first Daytona 500
Latest news
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
2 h
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
2 h
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Talladega II
2 h
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe