Kroger 200 - Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Notes

HAMILTON, JR. LOOKS TO HAROLD HOLLY FOR SUCCESS AT INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK

CLAREMONT, IN --- Statistically speaking Indianapolis Raceway Park hasn't been the sight of many good memories for the driver of the Team Marines Ford Taurus, Bobby Hamilton, Jr. The sixth place driver in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series lists a best finish of 19th in four starts at the .686-mile oval. This visit should be different as Hamilton, Jr. will have Harold Holly as his crew chief. Holly has produced a strong record at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In three races with Jeff Green from 1999-2001, the pair recorded finishes of sixth, third and third along with a pole position. Last season with driver Scott Riggs the tandem dominated the race only to encounter tire trouble near the end for an 11th place finish.

"I feel as confident as ever entering the race with Harold Holly on my side," Hamilton, Jr. said. "Harold and the guys have worked their tails off to give me a great car for this weekend and I am more than ready to get back into victory lane again. Like always, our goals for the weekend will be to be the fastest in practice, to win the pole and then drive the Team Marines Ford into victory lane at the end of the night."

The Kroger 200 will take the green flag Saturday night at 8:00pm EDT. TNT and Motor Racing Network will provide live coverage of the event.

PIT NOTES

Ø Qualifying Machine! Since Harold Holly joined the team eight races ago, Hamilton Jr.'s average qualifying position, not including the two qualifying rainouts has been 4.5 . Last week at Pikes Peak International Raceway Hamilton, Jr. recorded his first pole of the season and third of his career.

Ø Despite the setback in Pikes Peak, Hamilton, Jr. still firmly believes he has a chance to win the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series Championship. "Last week was a blow to our racing team, but if we continue to run as well as we have since Harold Holly joined our team, we can still win the title. I know with Harold and the guys working so hard, the cars will be close to perfect each week. We lost our favorite car last week, but all the guys have assured me we have better cars waiting back in the shop."

Ø $3 Million Dollar Man! Bobby Hamilton, Jr. has now passed the $3 Million mark in career NASCAR Busch Series winnings. Following the Pikes Peak race his total stands at $3,008,805.00

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