Four Fun Facts about Auggie Vidovich and the “Quad Squad”
Former Champion to Coach Vidovich at Bristol:
Three-time NASCAR Busch Grand National, North Series Champion Jamie Aube will be at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, not as a driver, but as a driver’s coach. Just as Buddy Baker coached Ryan Newman when he first entered the NASCAR Busch Series back in 2000, Aube will tutor Vidovich at the .533-mile short track. Having a veteran on hand at such a tough track will help Vidovich get acclimated to the track quickly, know what to expect, and be better prepared for 250 laps on one of the most challenging tracks on the entire Busch Series circuit.
A Warm Welcome:
Biagi DenBeste Racing is pleased to welcome Marty Myers back to the bullring at Bristol. Myers formerly sponsored the No. 4 Dodge through his company, PetBrands, Inc. Myers founded PetBrands alongside business partner, Matt Hunnell. The duo produce a complete line of dog and cat products including rawhide, pork hide, beds, leads, collars, vinyl, wool, canvas and plus toys and chews. PetBrands currently markets product under licensing agreements Milk Bone and 9Lives, some of the strongest, most recognizable names in the pet industry today.
Did You Know?:
Auggie Vidovich is probably the only driver racing at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend that could actually grade and set the concrete forms for Bristol’s unique concrete surface. Vidovich is the son of a general contractor from Southern California. As a young man, Vidovich spent a lot of time grading and setting concrete forms for his dad before he was allowed to climb into the driver’s seat of a stock car.
Fender Run Cut Bid for Top-Twenty in Michigan:
Auggie Vidovich had hoped to secure a top-twenty in his first Busch race at Michigan International Speedway, but a fender rub and flat tire cut his chances and forced him to settle for 28th in the Carfax 250. As the 43-car field took the green flag for the 125-lap race, Vidovich quickly worked his way into the top-20 from his 24th starting spot. He continued to make progress until pitting under caution on lap 21. The “Quad Squad” outfitted their Dodge with two tires and fuel, returning it to the track 17th. When the race resumed, Vidovich picked up another spot but was forced to give up track position after the driver’s side door panel became loose, requiring repairs. The “Quad Squad” caught a break as NASCAR displayed another caution allowing Vidovich to pit under the yellow flag. Vidovich came into the pits for repairs along with four tires and fuel, but dropped to 36th at the restart. As he began his measured moves to the front, he narrowly avoided a three-car wreck on lap 47, proving that he was on top of the wheel. Even though he was doing his best behind the wheel, a fender rub cut his chances for a top-20 when he was forced to pit under the green flag for right side tires with only 25 laps to go. Falling three laps down after the green flag stop, Vidovich said his GEICO Dodge was “bad tight”. The “Quad Squad” had another chance to adjust on their Dodge after another caution was displayed. Vidovich hit pit road for his final stop of the day taking four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to help free up his Dodge. After returning to the track 34th, Vidovich drove his way to 28th and picked up two of his laps when the leaders had to pit under green. In the closing laps, Vidovich’s lap times were faster than the cars ahead of him, but he had to settle for 28th after the race went into overtime after a controversial green/white/checkered end.
