Bobby Hamilton Jr. Event Preview
No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Race 21 of 36 - Allstate 400 at the Brickyard
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
HICKORY, N.C., (August 2, 2005) - The PPI Motorsports race team eagerly
awaits the start of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard with Bobby Hamilton
Jr. in the driver's seat for the first time at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. The team had promising test results when it practiced on July
18-19. Hamilton Jr. recorded the second quickest overall lap of 182.576,
just a tad slower than his father, Bobby Hamilton Sr.
The No. 32 team anticipates a competitive chase to the finish and would like
nothing more than to make the history books by having Hamilton Jr. finish
first. It would equate to his first NASCAR Nextel Cup victory. It would
also mean a second win for Tide at the Brickyard's hollowed grounds since it
began sponsoring a NASCAR program back in 1987.
Bobby Hamilton Jr., driver of the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet Monte Carlo:
This will be your first start in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. How do
you feel about racing across the infamous bricks after seeing your test
results?
"To be honest, I'm excited for the race. Our test was very encouraging and
the time there really gave me a chance to get a feel for the track. Other
drivers may have more experience at Indy, but our team clearly has a tough
car to beat. It also helped that I had the chance to work with my Dad. He
gave me some excellent advice about how to run at this track. It should be
a great weekend for PPI Motorsports and the entire Hamilton family.
"When looking at the big picture, an impressive finish here at the Brickyard
would be a tremendous boost for PPI and our sponsors. I cannot imagine what
runs through you after winning this race. For me, it would be an honor to
give Tide its second victory at the Brickyard. If I could have it my way,
the end of the race would see a father and son finish first and second. It
would be unbelievable and make for an awesome story."
What are you hoping to accomplish here?
"First and foremost the pressure will be on to qualify. This is one race we
cannot afford to miss. After what we accomplished during the test, I feel
optimistic that we can get a solid starting spot ... a top 25. If we can do
that then we can concentrate on having a decent race run on Sunday. If we
can finish in the top 15, I would consider it a good day for us. That's
what we are shooting for."
Notes of Interest:
Bobby Hamilton Jr:
The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard marks Bobby Hamilton Jr.'s 50th
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start.
This will be Hamilton Jr.'s first NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at
the Brickyard.
PPI Motorsports
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, PPI Motorsports best effort to date
is a top starting spot of seventh and best finish of ninth with Ricky Craven
in 2001.
Tide Racing
Tide Racing has won one time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when
Ricky Rudd chased down and captured the checkered flag in 1997. It was
Tide's 17th career victory. So far, Tide has visited victory lane 20 times.
Two times has been courtesy of PPI Motorsports.
Put to the Test:
PPI Motorsports tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 18 and
19. Chassis numbers 67 and 59 were used. On the final day of testing,
Hamilton Jr. put down the second fastest lap recorded during Indy's
three-week testing period that included three, two-day sessions. The speed
was 182.576 mph. Bobby's father, Bobby Hamilton Sr. posted the fastest
overall lap with a speed of 183.905 mph.
PPI Motorsports tested this week (August 1-2) at Watkins Glen (N.Y)
International with driver Ron Fellows.
Chassis No.: 67
Hamilton Jr. will be driving chassis No. 67 in the Allstate 400 at the
Brickyard. It has never run in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition.
However, it has been on the track at IMS on July 18 and 19 when the team
participated in testing.
For backup, the team is bringing Chassis No. 59.
Where's Bobby?
Bobby Hamilton Jr. will appear at the following location during the Allstate
400 at the Brickyard race weekend:
Thursday, August 4 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., he'll be signing autographs at the
Super Kmart located at 6780 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis.
