Busch Grand National Series

Home | Winston Cup | Grand National | Bill Elliott Racing | Raycefan's Rave In-Car Radios | Silly Season | Forum | Photo Gallery | Newsletter | In the Pits News and Results | Point Standings | 2001 Schedule | 2000 Schedule and Results   Hardee's 250 - Joe Gibbs Racing Notes McLAUGHLIN AND PURVIS HEAD TO RICHMOND FOR FRIDAY NIGHT BATTLE RICHMOND, VA - (May 2, 2001) -- Joe Gibbs Racing Busch Series drivers Mike McLaughlin and Jeff Purvis enter the Hardee's 250 with momentum on their side. Last week in Fontana, CA, McLaughlin recorded his sixth top-ten finish of the year as a follow up to his win the week before in Talladega. Purvis drove his # 18 MBNA Pontiac to a second place finish in Fontana, allowing him to move to the sixth position in the season long Busch Series Point Standings. Richmond International Raceway brings back strong memories for both McLaughlin and Purvis. For Purvis, he captured his first career Busch Series win in the 1996 spring race at the .750 mile short track. "It's always nice to go back to a track where you have won at in the past, it gives a driver an added boost of confidence," Purvis said. "We are ready to put the MBNA Pontiac into victory lane, hopefully Friday night will be the night." For McLaughlin, Richmond brings a new level of anticipation. In the past Richmond International Raceway has been a track that has haunted the veteran driver. Late race accidents, fire, and even a concussion in 1999 have kept McLaughlin from solid finishes in Richmond. McLaughlin hopes to put those memories in the past after a strong two-day test he conducted in April at the track. "We had a great test a few weeks ago in Richmond, Tim Shutt (crew chief) and the guys worked hard and we found a great setup for Richmond," McLaughlin said. "Maybe this will be the race where luck stays on our side and we have a strong night of racing." The Hardee's 250 takes the green flag at 7:50pm Friday night. FX Network will provide live coverage of the eleventh race of the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series season. FAST FACTS Ø The # 20 team of Mike McLaughlin continues its search for a primary sponsor. After ten races, McLaughlin stands in fifth place in the point standings, with one win, two top-five, and six top-ten finishes. Ø After ten races last season, Jeff Purvis was in 13th place in the season long point's race. This year, Purvis is in sixth place with one top-five and four top-ten finishes.   News and Results | Point Standings | 2001 Schedule | 2000 Schedule and Results   Home | Winston Cup | Grand National | Bill Elliott Racing | Raycefan's Rave In-Car Radios | Silly Season | Forum | Photo Gallery | Newsletter | In the Pits ©Copyright 2001 Race 2 Win