Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 - Stuart Kirby Notes

Stuart Kirby / Marathon Atlanta Preview

Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Preview

Driver Stuart Kirby and the #51 Marathon Chevy Team enters the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 this weekend excited about the possibilities. After a satisfying run at Lowes in North Carolina a week ago, Competitive Edge Motorsports (CEM) says they are ready for their next challenge. "I really like this track. It has multiple grooves and it is very fast," said Kirby.

Kirby has good history in Atlanta, finishing 4th there in 2001 after starting on the outside front row in the ARCA/Remax Series. "This is definitely one of my favorites. I feel great about our chances." With 54 entries, CEM and Kirby will have to be on their game to qualify. Pleased with their qualifying run in Charlotte, the team has decided to use the same chassis hoping for another strong performance.

Engine Department
CEM relies on ProMotor Engines to provide competitive engines, and they feel they have a good one for Atlanta. "We are pleased with the engine combination in Charlotte, we had a better top end and we increased acceleration," said engine builder Peter Guild. "With the similarities in the tracks, we should do well there."

The team is focused on giving Kirby the equipment he needs to be competitive. Team owner Joe Auer explained, "Between Walter Giles and his crew, as well as Peter Guild, we are putting all our efforts in giving Stuart every chance to run well. Stuart and the crew showed last week when the chips are down, they can deliver."

This Weekend's Coverage
Tune in. Qualifying for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. ET Friday, October 28, and will broadcast LIVE on PRN (radio) and XM Radio Channel 144. The qualifying session will also broadcast tape delayed on SPEED (TV) starting at 8 p.m. ET. The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 is scheduled to start at 12:40 p.m. ET Sunday, October 30, and will broadcast LIVE on NBC (TV), PRN and XM Radio Channel 144.

Track Facts
Banking/Turns: 24
Distance: 1.54 miles
Shape: Oval