NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace has reason for excitement at Las Vegas

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 1, 2001

CHARLOTTE, N.C., --Kenny Wallace and the No. 27 Eel River Racing team have a few things to be excited about when they hit the 1.5-mile oval at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend.

For starters, they have a one-race sponsorship deal with Hills Bros Coffee to promote their 100% Columbian blend and they are also gunning for the No Bull 5 bonus.

"This is going to be an exciting weekend for us in Las Vegas," said Wallace. "We have the opportunity to work with a great sponsor like Hills Bros and possibly win one million dollars for the team and a lucky fan."

This weekend’s UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 isn’t the first time Wallace has been eligible for the No Bull program. He earned that distinction at 2000 Daytona (Fla.) 500 after finishing fifth at the 1999 Winston 500 in Talladega (Ala.). This time, Wallace qualified for the No Bull 5 with a second place finish at Talladega.

"Obviously it’s an honor to be in the No Bull program," continued Wallace. "I’m looking forward to it. But, it is another race. I don’t feel any added pressure with the No Bull program, however I do want to have a good finish for Hills Bros."

Crew chief Barry Dodson echoes Wallace’s thoughts on the level of pressure involved with racing as a No Bull 5 contender.

"It’s a lot of exposure being a No Bull car," said Dodson, "but I think the pressure is the same. At this level you have to be prepared 100% every week. We’re optimistic about Las Vegas. We had a great test with two good cars and we opted to take one back. Kenny’s been running a lot better at that track than he has in the past. So, we’re excited about being one of those cars and having a deal with Hills Bros."

Wallace will be paired up with one of five lucky fans prior to the start of the weekend’s activities.

"I look forward to meeting my fan," said Wallace. "I’m going to try hard for that person. I’m sure we both could use the money. But most of all I’d like to do something for someone else. It would be pretty exciting to see them get a million dollars."

Text Provided By Heather Buckelew

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