UAW-Ford 500 - Scott Riggs Notes

RIGGS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC OF TALLADEGA EVENT

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Sept. 27, 2005)—The anticipation of racing at Talladega Superspeedway for Sunday’s UAW-Ford 500 has Scott Riggs feeling cautiously optimistic.

The sophomore driver has not only enjoyed solid runs on the 2.66-mile track, but he also posted a strong fourth-place finish at the Daytona 500 season opener and qualified in the top five at the following two superspeedway events.

As part of a five-race primary sponsorship package with Checkers/Rally's, the official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, Riggs will be driving the No. 10 Checkers/Valvoline Chevrolet in the final superspeedway race of the season.

“The MBV/MB2 team has a history of excellent superspeedway cars,” said Riggs. “I’m confident that we can have a good showing in the No. 10 Checkers/Valvoline Chevrolet this weekend if we can stay clear of all the drama that Talladega is famous for causing.”

And while avoiding the misfortunes at NASCAR’s biggest track is a tall task, Riggs knows that’s what it takes to be successful there.

“When you have 43 cars running neck-and-neck at those speeds, something is bound to happen,” explained Riggs. “Talladega is definitely a place where you need to be in the right place at the right time. Unless you’re leading the race the entire day, you’re in position to get in an accident.

“Last spring we were running fifth and got caught up in the “big one.” Usually if you’re running up front your chances of keeping your nose clean are pretty good—but at Talladega you just never know.”

Riggs is hopeful that this weekend he will be able to continue his pattern of strong qualifying runs at superspeedways, allowing the Valvoline team to start the race with track position in its favor.

“If you have a fast car and stay away from trouble, you can score big at Talladega,” said Riggs. “This team has what it takes—a good race car, a good team and a confident driver," Riggs offered. "We just need it to all come together and have a little luck on our side.”