Bobby Hamilton Jr. Event Preview
No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Race 20 of 36 – Pennsylvania 500
Pocono Raceway
HICKORY, N.C., (July 19, 2005) – Second time may be the charm for Bobby Hamilton Jr. and his Tide/Downy crew as they return to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway this weekend for the Pennsylvania 500. Now that the driver has one race under his belt at the 2.5-mile oval in Cup competition, he is ready to improve upon his 23rd-place finish from six weeks ago. The result was impressive considering the team had to weld a broken shock mount back together on pit road without going down a lap in the process. With 500 miles already behind him, and Danny Gill officially on board as crew chief, Hamilton Jr. would like to walk out of Pocono on Sunday with a top-15 effort.
Bobby Hamilton Jr., driver of the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet Monte Carlo:
You had a respectable run at Pocono Raceway despite having a broken shock mount. Are you looking forward to going back?
“That’s probably the best thing about having two dates at a track; you get a second chance. In our situation, we learned quite a few things and realized we were coming up a little short in some areas so I am looking forward to racing again because we have a better overall race package. Granted, everyone is in the same boat and will be looking to improve like us, but I really feel I can get this team a better finish than what we did a few weeks ago. I enjoy racing at Pocono. It’s real, real fast and fun for me to drive so I am looking forward to getting a finish that my entire Tide team deserves.”
What are your thoughts on Harold Holly leaving the team?
“I am happy for Harold. We have had a lot of success together over the last couple of years. Together we were an awesome combination. I consider Harold not only a good crew chief but a good friend as well. I wish him nothing but the best. As for Danny Gill, my new crew chief, he has been an important part of my father’s racing program over the years and I am so glad to have him as my new crew chief. He understands the feel I am looking for and so far, everything has gone really well. He’s a great crew chief and knows how to win so I am expecting great things from him.”
Notes of Interest:
Bobby Hamilton Jr.
The Pennsylvania 500 marks Bobby Hamilton Jr.’s 49th NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start.
In NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition, the driver has raced one time and it came earlier this season in the No. 32 Tide® to Go™ Chevrolet. He started 24th and finished 23rd after the team fixed a broken shock mount on lap 50.
PPI Motorsports
At Pocono Raceway, PPI Motorsports with Tide Racing has a best start of 12th in 2002 with driver Ricky Craven. The team’s best finish is 10th with driver Ricky Craven in 2001 and 2003.
Put to the Test:
PPI Motorsports tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 18 and 19. Chassis numbers 67 and 59 were used. During the final day of testing Hamilton Jr. recorded the second fastest lap of the day with a speed of 182.576. Bobby’s father, Bobby Hamilton Sr. posted the fastest lap with a speed of 183.905.
About the Tide Ride:
Chassis No.: 63
Hamilton Jr. will be driving chassis No. 63 in the Pennsylvania 500.
For backup, the team is bringing Chassis No. 57.
