KEVIN HARVICK
Regaining Momentum
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (April 30, 2003) - Momentum is defined as the energy of
motion, the power with which a moving body tends to maintain its velocity.
In the NASCAR world, teams live and die by it, always looking for that extra
little bit to keep them moving forward in the point's race towards that
elusive NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship trophy.
Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Racing team have been building
momentum since the start of the 2003 season. In ten weeks of racing,
they've been out of the top-10 in points only two times, and lately they've
been on a tear up the rankings. This past Sunday in Fontana, Calif., they
hit a speed bump. A victim of an early pit stop because of a tire problem,
they were never able to recover and finished outside the top-25 for only the
second time this season.
Team GM Goodwrench looks to regain that momentum heading into the first
Saturday night race of the season in Richmond, Va. Harvick is a big fan of
Saturday night races. It reminds him of the old days growing up around the
sport. His average finish in Winston Cup races on Saturday night is 14th
compared to 19th on Sunday afternoons, with three top-five finishes
including runner-up at Richmond his rookie season.
Known for his short track expertise, Harvick has the potential to make big
things happen. With a little extra track time running the NASCAR Busch
Series race on Friday night, Harvick looks to start a new momentum swing
that could take him all the way to the 2003 championship.
No. 29 GM Goodwrench driver Kevin Harvick on Richmond...
How important is momentum throughout the race season?
"You gain and loose it so many times that you really need to take advantage
of it in Winston Cup racing. It's so hard these days to gain an advantage
because so many things can go wrong. You just have to make the most of the
times when things are going good. I think whoever can do that and minimize
the bad runs will be the most successful."
What is it about Richmond that makes everyone so happy to go there?
"It's Saturday night racing at its best. Also, I think everybody loves
racing there because we know we get a Sunday off. It's the style track most
everyone grew up on - three-quarter mile, plenty of room to race. The last
couple races, though, it's been a little harder because the sealer's been
coming up. It's sticking to the tires, making it harder to get grip in the
corners and pass. Hopefully it will be better this time back."
What's it like racing under lights?
"Well, it's neat for the fans and good for the drivers because it keeps us
cool in the cars. I think you get a bigger speed sensation at night, with
the brakes glowing and the sparks flying everywhere. Believe it or not,
it's actually easier to see from a driver's standpoint when you are racing
at night. They've done such a good job with the lights that there are no
shadows around the racetrack. It's crystal clear viewing as opposed to
racing during the day."
How bad are lap cars at Richmond?
"Going back to the sealer issue, lap cars can be really bad if the track is
in the shape it's been in the past. If you are 15th, you are actually 30th
on restarts and you have to fight all the traffic in the shuffle to get to
the front. You know those guys are going to run as hard as they can, so
it's going to be tough to get around them. If the sealer problem is fixed,
I don't see it being as much of a problem as it has been the last couple of
races."
We're ten races in, what's your take on the 2003 season thus far?
"I think we're improving. The performance of our cars in the last couple of
races have been top-10, we've just had some unfortunate circumstances. Luck
is what is hurting us. Last week in California was a perfect example. I
don't ever think I've had a tire equalize like that before. That put us a
lap down, then we lost another lap after a green flag pit stop. We've made
some great strides, but we can't control the circumstances. If we can get
some luck, we'll be in good shape."
No. 29 GM Goodwrench crew chief Todd Berrier on Richmond...
What's your perfect set-up for Richmond?
"If we had the answer to that, we'd probably write a book. We'd be happy
with a car that rolls through the middle of the corners good without using
the brakes. Track position will be key. By running up front you can run
your own line that will help you get through the corners. The track changes
so much in the two days with the surface, you have to be careful."
Points of Interest...
* Team GM Goodwrench will take a brand new car to race under the
lights at Richmond this weekend, chassis No. 111. Finished earlier this
week, the car has not seen one bit of action.
* Harvick will run Friday night's NASCAR Busch Series Hardee's 250 in
the No. 21 PayDay Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Richard Childress Racing. He
looks to add to his two top-five finishes at the .75-mile oval in his sixth
Busch race in 2003.
* While most drivers will be spending next weekend off, Harvick will
dedicate his time to charity. He'll participate in the STAR Center's
Speedway Classic to be held at the Jackson, Tenn., fairgrounds on Saturday,
May 10th, 2003.
* Start time for the Pontiac Excitement 400 is slated for 7:30 p.m.
ET. TV coverage of the race on FOX starts at 7:00 p.m., with radio coverage
on MRN beginning at 7:00 p.m. Remember times and dates of the race may
change, so check your local listings.
