NASCAR WCUP: Points leader looks to widen the gap on field at Brisol
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 22, 2001BRISTOL, Tenn.- After claiming the top spot in the Winston Cup standings following last weekend's win at Darlington, #88 UPS driver Dale Jarrett will try to lengthen his lead at one of the circuit's most demanding race tracks - Bristol Motor Speedway.
Noteworthy items heading into Sunday's Food City 500 (FOX; 1 p.m. EDT):
Jarrett captured his milestone 25th career victory last Sunday at Darlington. This weekend, he will be in search of his second career win at the "world's fastest half-mile." He won Bristol's fall event back in 1997.
Perhaps more than any other track, qualifying well is crucial to achieving success at Bristol. Jarrett's career record (see below) bears that out: from 1996-1998, he made six consecutive top-10 starts and finished in the top 10 all six times (five of those being top 5's!).
During that stellar stretch, Jarrett's average starting spot (6.6) helped him to an average finish of 3.6!
The 1999 Winston Cup champion started 20th and finished 21st in last year's running of the Food City 500.
Strength and stamina are also key factors in determining a driver's success at Bristol. Jarrett, who maintains a comprehensive cardiovascular and strength training routine during the season, spoke about that aspect of his preparation and how it may benefit him on Sunday:
"Bristol's a unique place, there's no doubt about that," Jarrett said. "To me, it's one of the most physically demanding race tracks that we compete on along with Dover."
Jarrett added, "As a driver, you obviously have to stay focused mentally anywhere you race, but that's harder to do sometimes at Bristol because of the physical pounding you take as the race wears on. It's races like these that make me glad I've kept consistent with my off-track workout routines. You definitely need strength and stamina to finish well at Bristol."
Text provided by Kris Johnson
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