Aaron's 499 - Travis Kvapil Notes

LEAP OF FAITH
Kvapil Takes Sacrifices in Stride

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 26, 2005) - Travis Kvapil, driver of the No. 77 Kodak Dodge Charger, knew his work load would increase when he made the leap to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series but it was a sacrifice and challenge he was prepared to take. After eight races in the 2005 season, Kvapil is still eager and enjoys his accomplishment of joining NASCAR's upper echelon.

Prior to the 2005 season, Kvapil's experience in the Cup series was limited to three races in the 2004 season when Penske Racing South gave Kvapil a "chance of a lifetime".

"Racing on the short tracks in the Midwest, I could only hope that one day I would race in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series," Kvapil said. "To have that dream become a reality is one thing. To race at this level for Penske-Jasper Racing is something I never could have imagined. It's like a dream that just keeps getting better."

Kvapil, a Janesville, Wis., native, acknowledges that his workload has increased while his personal time has decreased. He also admitted he was aware of the sacrifice from the start.

"Races are longer; that's no secret," Kvapil said. "There is more to it than more laps. Right now, we are trying to maximize our test sessions for the Cup series on top of a few races we added to get me some seat time."

Since Easter week, Kvapil has visited six tracks in preparation for three different racing series at five tracks. The time away from his family has been tough but Kvapil realizes he is working towards his future.

"The Kodak Racing team has been working hard and everyone is committed to running better," Kvapil said. "It's not just the No. 77 team, though. Penske Racing South plans to field a car in the Pocono ARCA race and I am going to run in the NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series event at Infineon [Raceway]. They want to give me as much seat time at tracks I haven't raced on. That will be a big help.

"I know the testing will pay off but I miss my family. I have been away from them for the better part of April. Jennifer [Kvapil's wife] has her hands full. My son is sick, my daughter has soccer practice and games and I'm not there. That is the hardest part about racing at this level. Would I give it up? I'm not prepared to answer that. Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is what every racer thinks about. I am having fun and Jennifer is behind me 100 percent. She comes to the races as much as possible. We are in this together."

NEWS OF NOTE

Equipment: Kvapil will race chassis PRS-084 at Talladega Superspeedway. No. 084 is a new car.

Travis' Thoughts on Racing at Talladega Superspeedway: "This will be my first race at Talladega. I've tested there a few times in the Truck series in the past, but I never had an opportunity to race. I'm looking forward to it. It looks like it's pretty crazy from what I've seen on TV. I got a little taste of the superspeedway drafting at Daytona. I know Talladega is a little different, but, basically, it's the same. I'm optimistic about it and the guys are excited. We're taking another brand-new race car. They think it's going to be a fast car. We're anxious to get there and get going."

Kvapil on Drafting: "It's tough. It's a lot different. I raced at Daytona a few years in the Truck Series. It's totally different from anything I've experienced in the Truck Series. Really, the only way to learn the draft is to get yourself out there and get in the middle of it and feel what the car does and try to make moves but figure out what you can and can't do and make mistakes and learn from it. Fortunately, I've got Buddy Baker on top to help spot this weekend. He knows his way around Talladega pretty good. He's really good at the draft, and he helped spot for me at Daytona and it was a huge plus for me. I've got a lot of confidence in him. When he tells me something it's going to be right. To learn the draft and to get yourself comfortable is the only way to do it. Just get out there and do it. Fortunately, I've got good race cars that handle well and good motors and things like that to make it that much easier."

Kvapil's "Buddy": Kvapil's driving mentor, Buddy Baker, knows Talladega Superspeedway well.