NASCAR WCUP: Bobby Hamilton to take to the Texas track in 'Ragdoll'

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 29, 2001

CHARLOTTE, N.C., – For a few weeks now, the Square D Racing Team has been preparing the No. 55 Chevrolet nicknamed "Ragdoll" for the Harrah’s 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The reason for the extra attention to detail is that NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Bobby Hamilton requested extra safety measures for this weekend’s venture on the 1.5-mile oval.

"I want to wear the HANS (Head and Neck Support) this weekend in Texas," stated Hamilton. "We’ve been working on getting it comfortable for me in the seat. I’ve been at the shop helping them position the seat in a way that I could still maneuver with the device around my neck. I think we’ve fixed it and I’m ready to wear it now. This will be my first race wearing any type of extra safety measure, so I’m anxious to see the difference.

"I feel that Texas is the fastest track on the circuit by far. If the drivers, including myself, want to feel safer on these type of tracks, then we have to look at other safety measures," continued Hamilton. "There are other options out there, but the HANS seems to be the most effective. I have some idea of the tracks that I want to wear the restraint this season, but I’m going to evaluate it at Texas and then decide for sure."

The 2001 season has thus far been a prosperous one for the Square D Racing Team. Sitting in the top ten in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series points race in the eighth position, Hamilton remains calm for the next competition.

"The guys have done a great job getting ‘Ragdoll’ ready with the new safety features that I wanted," said Hamilton. "I’m always anxious to race at another track with this team. We just keep working on all the kinks that we’re trying to iron out, but so far this season has been good. I raced this same car in Atlanta and we raced competitively there, so hopefully this weekend will be the same.

"The statistics that we have now are better than they’ve ever been, continued Hamilton. "We’re not getting anxious yet, just excited about more great runs. Therefore, our performances are carrying our momentum over each week to do even better."

The 334-lap Harrah’s 500 will air live on FOX Sunday, April 1 at 1 p.m. EST.

Text provided by Lori Shuler

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