NASCAR

WS: Mesa Marin: David Gilliland preview

DAVID GILLILAND READY FOR ANOTHER VICTORY Bakersfield, Calif...When the Green Flag signals the start of the Lucas Oil 150, Round 2 of the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, April 9 at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. David ...

Edited: Apr 8, 2005, 4:37 AM

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DAVID GILLILAND READY FOR ANOTHER VICTORY

Bakersfield, Calif...When the Green Flag signals the start of the Lucas Oil 150, Round 2 of the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, April 9 at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. David Gilliland and the MRG Motorsports crew will be ready to battle their way straight to the front.

"We tested our No. 88 RaceCarCeilingFans.com Chevy at Bakersfield last week," says the popular California driver, "and were definitely pleased with the results. We had a great vehicle for Phoenix and we have another good one for Bakersfield. I think, barring any unfortunate circumstances, we have an excellent chance of reaching our goal."

No newcomer to the fast-paced .5-mile paved oval track, located in what is referred to as the heart of the Golden State, Gilliland took the victory in the 2004 spring race last year. "My dad set the qualifying record in May of 1999 with a run of 97.166 mph and a time of 18.525 seconds," says Gilliland with obvious pride. Nothing would suit me more than to either tie his record or beat it and win the race. That would truly be awesome. Since nobody has been able to do that for the past five years, it might be hard to do, but we know that winning is certainly within our grasp. Mesa Marin is a fun little track. The action is fast and furious and the passing is good. The main keys to success, other than a good car, are total concentration and the ability to be patient, but ready to pounce the second the guy in front of you makes a mistake. I know our Chevy is excellent and the MRG crew is outstanding so when the Green Flag falls it will pretty much be up to me."

One of the toughest competitors on the West Series circuit, Gilliland, the 2004 Rookie of the Year, got off to a terrific start at the season opener at Phoenix International Raceway, earning both the pole and the victory. With one race down, he holds a ten-point lead in the point's battle. "Our main focus and goal is to take home this year's West championship," says Gilliland, who also plans to contest both selected Busch races and some Southwest Tour events. "Our entire team is feeling really strong and highly motivated. We all agree that it should be a good year."

Qualifying for the 150 Lap - 75 mile Lucas Oil 150 gets underway on Saturday afternoon, April 9 at 4:30 PM with racers taking the Green Flag at 8:00 PM. Television coverage will be live on HDNet with an enhanced replay on the SPEED Channel.

-mrgm-

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