Homecoming of Sorts for Gibbs Busch Series Crew Chief

Shutt spent nearly five years working on midget and champ cars in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN -- (August 1, 2001) ---- Tim Shutt, crew chief of the # 18 MBNA Pontiac in the NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a "home track" advantage this weekend. Shutt, spent almost five years in the Indianapolis area turning wrenches for Andy Michner and Dan Drinan before heading south to work in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Those years allowed Shutt, 32, to learn the traits of hard work and dedication while working seven days a week on midget and champ cars.

"For me, Indianapolis Raceway Park is my home track," Shutt said. "Sure I am a Pennsylvania native, but it was here in Indianapolis that I really learned how to work on racecars. I still have a lot of friends in Indianapolis."

Shutt remembers well the famous "Thursday Night Thunder" races that appeared on ESPN. It was during these events that drivers like Tony Stewart and the late Kenny Irwin became household names in the racing world.

"The Thursday night shows at IRP were always special, with ESPN broadcasting the races," Shutt said. To win at IRP was and still is a huge deal. Hopefully we can get back into victory lane this Saturday night."

That visit to victory lane will be a real possibility with Mike McLaughlin behind the wheel of the # 18 MBNA Pontiac. McLaughlin has two third place finishes and a second place finish to his credit at IRP.

In order to contend for the win, Shutt knows what will be important.

"We have to get a handle on the tire from the start. Getting good grip on the racetrack is going to be the key for us on Saturday night."

Shutt and the remainder of the MBNA Racing Team will take to the track Saturday for practice, qualifying and the 200-lap race. With a little luck, maybe Shutt and company can celebrate in victory lane.