NASCAR WCUP: Hamilton readies for challenges of Las Vegas

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C., – Bobby Hamilton powered the Square D Chevrolet to another strong performance at the "Rock" (North Carolina Speedway) in the rain delayed Dura–Lube 400 on Monday. The 13th place finish moved the team up four positions in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings, placing them fourth behind leader Rusty Wallace, by only 45 points.

"We fought the racetrack a little bit because of weather changes from our practice session. The track position was difficult as well," stated Hamilton. "We made some small adjustments to the car and would take the green flag in 16th position, but because all the lapped traffic it felt like 30th. Mainly, we had a solid run and didn’t tear anything up, which is best for us right now. At this point in the season, we’re trying to stay out of trouble and get a good steady points battle going."

Hamilton described his key points to racing at Rockingham:

"At that track, I just try to be patient," Hamilton explained. "It gets really slick at times. You can only use 1/3 of the motor there because it’s so slick. I had to preserve the tires the whole time I was out there.

"Last weekend was a lot of pressure for all of us. I’m glad for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and for Kevin Harvick in the Goodwrench Chevy, but as long as this Square D Chevy is running in the top of the field, that’s my main concern. I’m ready to head to Vegas and try my luck not only at winning the next event, but also winning at the tables."

While many are reviewing the different safety devices that companies are proposing to NASCAR’s, drivers, Bobby Hamilton, driver of the Square D Chevrolet is still questioning their worth. After Daytona, Hamilton traveled to the Andy Petree Racing’s (APR) shop in Flat Rock, N.C. to check the security of his own safety belts.

"I felt it was necessary to check all my seats and safety devices after Daytona," said Hamilton. "NASCAR officials met with us there and everything checked out fine for the Square D Chevy. I’m not jumping the gun about trying these different devices. I think NASCAR has been reviewing our safety issues and I’m waiting to see what they discover. A few of the devices out there now hinder the ability to see around your car and I don’t want to take that chance. I’m reviewing the information, but not changing my gear yet."

As the Square D team heads to Las Vegas, they’re hoping to capitalize on the January test session notes from both APR teams.

"It was a situation where we weren’t as good as the No. 33 car, but we compared notes and learned some things from them," said Hamilton. "We actually cut a car up to make it comparable to theirs, so Friday morning’s practice will be like a test session for us. We’ve got the flexible setup, so if necessary, we can change it back to what we tested with in January.

"I think we’ll squeeze in a decent qualifying lap. I haven’t always shown my best performance at that track, but I haven’t had the race team that I’m with either. My pit stops are fast and the guys have worked really hard to keep them consistent. It seems as though this year we’re off to a good start, and our goal is to keep up the pace. Everyone wants to go to Vegas to win, why should we be any different?"

Text Provided By Lori Shuler

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