Race 2 Win: Bashas' Supermarkets 200

Busch Series

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Bashas' Supermarkets 200 - Clint Bowyer Notes

CLINT BOWYER
Extra Track Time Key for Bowyer Heading to Phoenix

Huntersville, N.C. (April 19, 2005) - This weekend in Phoenix, Ariz., will be unlike any other Clint Bowyer has experienced in his young NASCAR career. Not only will the 25 year-old be racing in Friday nights Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway in his regularly scheduled No. 2 ACDeclo Chevrolet, but he will also be attempting to make his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start in the No. 33 Sylvania entry for Richard Childress Racing on Sunday. A Cup test last Tuesday and Wednesday at Phoenix is what Bowyer hopes will be the key factor in making his weekend a success.

“The Cup test last week gave me some very valuable track and seat time,” says Bowyer. “Obviously the Cup and Busch cars are different, but I was still able to get out there and get a feel for the track and learn which lines work and which lines don’t. I feel much more comfortable heading to Phoenix now that I have some track time under my belt, especially with all that is going on for me this weekend.”

And this weekend a lot will be going on for the Emporia, Kan. native. Balancing both the Busch and Cup schedules is always demanding for a driver, but having the support of your team and crew chief for an entire weekend can be helpful as well.

“It is going to be a busy week in Phoenix, but I think we can handle it,” adds Bowyer. “I am glad that I will have my normal Busch crew and crew chief working with me in the Cup car, since they know what I am looking for and since we are already on the same page. My crew chief Gil Martin and I have really formed a good working relationship and understand each other very well. Knowing my guys and Gil will be with me all weekend takes some of the nerves away.”

The main focus this weekend will be the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet and their quest for a Busch Series championship. Another solid run on Friday night is just what the Real Car Guys need to close in on series leader Carl Edwards. The Cup race after that is just an added bonus.

Points of Interest…

Runnin’ It…The Real Car Guys will take chassis No. 035 to Phoenix International Raceway. This chassis has already been used in California, Las Vegas (Nev.), and Nashville (Tenn.) and has brought home two top-5 finishes and one top-10 finish.

Track Stat…Bowyer has one race under his belt at PIR in the West Series. In 2004, he drove the No. 20 Jelly Belly/NAPA Chevrolet to an eighth place finish after starting seventh. He will be making his first start in the NASCAR Busch Series at PIR in the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet on Friday and he will be attempting to make his first Cup start in RCR’s No. 33 Sylvania Chevrolet on Saturday.

Testing 1,2,3…Bowyer participated in a two-day Cup test at PIR that took place last Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the Texas race weekend.

NBS Points… After eight races in the 2005 season, Bowyer sits third in points, 166 markers out of first, with two top-five and five top-10 finishes.

Media Opp…Bowyer will be available outside the No. 2 ACDelco hauler for 30 minutes following the first NBS practice on Thursday to field any questions from the media. This exercise will be in effect for the remainder of the year. A reminder will be in each advance moving forward updating when and where.

Start time…Friday nights Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. EDT. TV coverage of the 200-lap event on FOX begins at 8:30 p.m., with live radio coverage also beginning at 8:30 p.m. EDT on your local MRN Radio affiliate and on 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 Phoenix International Raceway…

What are your thoughts about making not only your initial NASCAR Busch Series start at Phoenix, but attempting to qualify for your first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at PIR?
“Well, what you have to remember here is that my main focus is with the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet and a Busch Series championship. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to attempt to make my first Cup race, but I can’t let that distract me from my full-time efforts in the Busch Series with ACDelco. Getting to qualify for my first Cup race is just an added bonus this weekend. I am really looking forward to the entire weekend.”

What’s it been like visiting tracks for the first time or ones that you don’t feel too comfortable with?
“So far this year, I have gone to a couple tracks for the first time or second and overcome the adversity that comes along with the unknown. I am feeling really confident as a driver right now and look forward to every track whether it is for the first time or even if I haven’t had good success there in the past. I am looking forward to some of these tracks ahead and getting further into this season.”

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