Chevy American Revolution 400 - Ricky Craven Notes

Ricky Craven Event Preview
No. 32 Tide Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Round 11 of 36 - Pontiac Performance 400
Richmond International Raceway

HICKORY, NC (May 10, 2004) - Ricky Craven, driver of the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet, makes his 16th start at Richmond International Raceway this weekend. Craven and the Tide team tested at the .75-mile track in preparation for this weekend's running of the Pontiac Performance 400.

Ricky Craven, driver of the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet:

When you hear drivers asked about building new tracks in new markets, a lot of them would like to see another Richmond built instead of the 1.5-mile tracks. What is it about Richmond that the drivers love so much?
"It is probably the least difficult track we compete on, and the reason drivers like it is because everyone seems to run well there at some point. Because of that, it is also difficult to find an advantage over the other teams. However, it lends itself to great racing. You can run the low groove, you can the middle groove or you can run somewhere in between. You can race side by side, lap after lap and I think it produces some of the best racing of the year."

"Personally, I also like it because there are always a contingent of New England fans there. I've noticed it from all the Tide t-shirts in the grandstands to all the people that visit the souvenir rig. I don't know why, but it almost seems to me that more people from New England go to Richmond than to Watkins Glen or Dover. It is sort of strange, but I guess Richmond is the closest race track to them for this early in the season's schedule. There will be a lot of New England fans there this weekend and I' d love to get a win for them."

This is the first night race of the season. Do you enjoy night racing and what makes it different/better than the day races?
"I think it is a little more exciting than the day races. There is an air of electricity in the air because it's under the lights and the cars seem faster. They tend to run a little bit better too. From the fan's perspective, it is the Saturday night type atmosphere that we all grew up...from the build-up of waiting for the green flag to drop all day to the sparks flying when things get real tight, it seems like it is a little more exciting."

Chassis No. 52: The Tide Racing team is taking Chassis No. 52 to Richmond this weekend. This is the same car he competed with earlier this year at Martinsville where it posted a 16th place finish.

Testing at RIR: Craven and the Tide Racing team completed a one-day test session at Richmond International Raceway on Wednesday, May 5th in preparation for this weekend's race.

Appearance: Craven will sign autographs at his souvenir rig from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15th. Please check with the souvenir rig in advance for ticket distribution.