Race 2 Win: Ameriquest 300 - Kevin Harvick Notes

NASCAR Busch Series

Ameriquest 300 - Kevin Harvick Notes

Kevin Harvick
No. 21 U.S. Coast Guard Chevrolet
Event Preview Fact Sheet

Event/Date: Ameriquest 300 – September 2, 2006
Venue: California Speedway – Fontana, Calif.

NOTES:

This Week’s Race Car at California Speedway … Kevin Harvick will pilot Chassis No. 024 for the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) stable. This chassis has yet to be run this season but “Happy” did race it to a win and a fourth-place finish last year at Phoenix International Raceway. Since then, the chassis has remained intact but the body has been completely replaced.

Stat Facts … In seven NASCAR Busch Series starts at California Speedway, Harvick has earned one pole, four top-five and six top-10 finishes. Additionally, the Bakersfield, Calif., natives has finished on the lead lap in every race but one (2000).

RCR at Fontana … In 18 previous Busch Series races at California Speedway, RCR has yet to record a win but they have posted two poles (Harvick/2003 and Bowyer/2005), eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes. In 2005, RCR cars finished in the top five in three out of four attempts.

Coast Guard Outing … Kevin Harvick will pay a special visit to the Coast Guard station in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, August 31 from 2-4 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Harvick will have the opportunity to learn more about the Coast Guard and its missions. While at the station, Harvick will have the chance to ride on Coast Guard cutters and tour the facilities of the base.

Racking ‘em up … Harvick’s second-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway last week extended his streak of consecutive top-10 finishes to nine, including two wins and seven top-five finishes.

Media Opportunity … Harvick will be available outside the No. 29 GM Goodwrench transporter to field questions from the media Friday, September 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Testing One, Two, Three, Testing … On Monday and Tuesday of this week,Harvick and the GM Goodwrench Racing Team tested at The Milwaukee Mile to evaluate and prepare for the remaining short track races on the 2006 schedule, at Richmond and Martinsville.

Up to Speed … The Ameriquest 300 at California Speedway will be televised live Saturday, September 2 beginning at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on TNT. Motor Racing Network (MRN) and XM Satellite Radio will also carry the race broadcast live. Qualifying for the 27th of 35 NASCAR Busch Series events will take the green flag at 6:40 p.m. EDT Saturday, Sept. 2.

KEVIN HARVICK QUOTES:

Why is California one of your least favorite tracks?
“It is just that our finishes haven’t been that good there. We have run really badly there and we have run really well there but it’s just been kind of hit or miss. It has been that same way at Michigan for us. We have been decent at Michigan both races this year. We are pretty comfortable with what we are going back to California with.”

What is the key to a strong finish at California Speedway?
“Success at any track starts with the race car. You have to have a fast car. Then, you can’t make any mistakes out on the track or in the pits. Finally, you have to have a little luck on your side. You have to hope you don’t get caught up in anyone else’s mess.”

How are your chances for winning two championships?
“I think if we were racing for both championships right now we’d be in good shape but momentum can swing and you just have to try to keep momentum on your side. If we can keep momentum on our side, I think the performance is there.”

How cool would it be to win two championships?
“Right now we’re just going race to race, just really trying to focus on what we’re doing. When we get a little closer, we’ll start thinking about that and everything that surrounds it.”