Race 2 Win: New England 200 - Clint Bowyer Notes

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New England 200 - Clint Bowyer Notes

CLINT BOWYER
Focused on the New England 200

Huntersville, N.C. (July 12, 2005) – ACDelco driver Clint Bowyer may not have any track experience leading into this Saturday’s running of the New England 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway(NHIS), but he does have one of the best cars in RCR’s Busch Series fleet to help get him around the 1.058-mile oval. Add that to a fairly strong NASCAR Busch Series statistic and things could play right into Bowyer’s hands this weekend at Loudon.

With another companion weekend ahead, there are sure to be some “Buschwackers” attempting to steal the show from the NASCAR Busch Series (NBS) regulars. However, there have been 18 total races run at NHIS and in those 18 races, 16 have been won by NBS regulars. This is the best percentage of wins among series regulars at any active track (89%). Indianapolis Raceway Park claims the next-highest percentage of wins by series regulars, 16 victories in 21 races (76%).

“I try not to look too far into stats like that,” said Bowyer. “But since I have never raced at New Hampshire it does sound pretty good and hopefully it will play into my hands. I will also be back behind the wheel of one of our best cars which is what I am really relying on for my success this weekend. We are coming off some pretty good runs and I can’t wait to get back in the car that gave me my first win in Nashville, (Tenn.)”

After all Bowyer does have reason to be excited about the car that the No. 2 team will take with them this weekend. While driving chassis No. 027 Bowyer was well on his way to possibly capturing his first victory at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway in May, but a late call to come to pit road ended his chances after he led 63 of the scheduled 250 laps. He then went on to Nashville Superspeedway in June behind the wheel of the same car, but this time victory did not elude him. After starting fifth, Bowyer led 70 laps in route to his first NBS win. Since then the Emporia, Kan., native has tallied a third place finish at Kentucky Speedway and a 10th place finish at The Milwaukee Mile in the car he feels is best suited for him to win.

Points of Interest…

Runnin’ It…The Real Car Guys will take chassis No. 027 to Loudon, New Hampshire this weekend. They have run this chassis four times this season. It brought home a ninth place finish after starting second and leading 63 laps in Richmond, Va. It followed that run up with a win in Nashville, Tenn. Bowyer started fifth and took the checkered flag in the first position after leading 70 laps. It soared to a third place finish in Sparta, Ky. after starting 16th and the last time it ran it brought home a 10th place finish in West Allis, Wis. after starting sixth.

Track Stat…Bowyer has never raced at the 1.058-mile oval nor has he tested.

Sponsor Stat…Even though ACDelco hasn’t been to the Winner’s Circle yet at New Hampshire Int’l Speedway they sure have been in the spotlight. In May of 2001, with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel, the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet started from the pole and finished second after leading the most laps at 165. In July of 2004, with Ron Hornaday behind the wheel, the “Blue Deuce” started second and finished sixth after leading the most laps at 66.

NBS Points…After 19 races in the 2005 season, Bowyer is back to second in the points standings. He’s now 72 markers out of the lead with one win, five top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

Media Opp…Bowyer will be available outside the No. 2 ACDelco hauler for 30 minutes to field any questions from the media after the first NBS practice on Friday, approximately from 12:05 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. This exercise will be in effect for the remainder of the year. A reminder will be in each advance updating time and location.

Start time…Saturday afternoon’s New England 200 is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT. TV coverage of the 200-lap event on TNT begins at 2:00 p.m., with live radio coverage also beginning at 3:00 p.m. EDT on your local MRN Radio affiliate and XM Satellite Radio – channel 144. Remember times and dates of the race may change so check your local listings.

No. 2 ACDelco driver Clint Bowyer on New Hampshire Int’l Speedway…

Do you feel at a disadvantage because you have never run at NHIS? “Obviously a driver feels more comfortable when he has run at a track before. But my team has been there before and experienced some pretty good success, so I know they will be there to help carry me. After a few practices I am sure that I can settle in and find my comfort zone.”

Are you for or against the Cup drivers running in the Busch races? “I am totally for it. It gives me a chance to rise to the occasion and race against some of the biggest stars in our sport. It brings more attention to what we are doing and really shows off the talent in the NASCAR Busch Series. I have learned valuable lessons on the track from racing against the more experienced Cup drivers and I think that I have faired pretty well competing against them.”

Aside from testing, video games seem to be where a driver can gain some added experience. Do you believe video games can be helpful? “Absolutely. When I am in my motorhome during downtime at the racetracks I am always on my PlayStation 2 running the track we are at. It may not be the exact same thing, but you still can get an idea of some pretty good lines. I have certainly run at New Hampshire the past couple days trying to pick up anything that I may be able to carry over to the racetrack.”

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