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NASCAR-WCUP: Todd Bodine Tops LJ Racings Best, Looks Forward to Charlotte

30 September 1998

Mooresville, N.C. -- Todd Bodine and the members of the LJ Racing crew topped the teams best ever finish this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Bodine brought the Larry's Homes Chevrolet home in 12th position, besting the previous top finish of 14th. "The car was pretty good today, but we mostly did it all as a team. We kept working and plugging away at it. The crew worked hard and I refused to give anything less than all I had."

And that he did. Bodine dodged bullets and made incredible saves all day. He fought to keep his position and the crew helped him out with great pit stops. "Martinsville is a tough track during the green flag, but it's just as hard during cautions" said veteran crew chief Doug Richert. "The field strings out so bad, you have to be very good on the pit stops or the pace car can overtake you." Richert made several strategy calls during the race, all the while, keeping his driver up near the front.

The LJ Racing team returns this weekend to Charlotte for the UAW/GM Teamwork 500. "This is where it all turned around for us," says owner Joe Falk. "We've qualified in the top 15 the last 2 times out to Charlotte and we're working to break into the top 10 Wednesday night."