NASCAR WCUP: Dodge Takes the Track at Chicagoland Speedway

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 13, 2001

CHICAGO -- Dave Blaney, driver of the No. 93 Amoco Dodge Intrepid R/T, took another Dodge for a spin today -- the new Dodge Intrepid R/T pace car for the Chicagoland Speedway.

The Chicagoland Dodge Dealers Advertising Association, the official vehicle partner for the track, recently unveiled the deep red Intrepid with a special paint scheme. The Intrepid will lead the field at the inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway on July 15.

Dave Blaney did four laps on the track, although at speeds somewhat slower than raceday, then came in to share his thoughts on the new facility with the news media.

"The track is awesome," said Blaney. "The transitions from the straightaways to the corners are really smooth. That makes it easier for the second groove to come in. The track surface is plenty wide and plenty smooth. And with that second groove, we'll see plenty of two-wide racing at least."

Blaney compares the track to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but says Chicagoland Speedway has more banking and will provide more competitive racing.

For Blaney, who grew up in nearby Ohio and raced for years in the Midwest in Sprint cars, the chance to race in Chicago is like coming home.

"It's great to race back in the Midwest," said Blaney. "I grew up racing all through Illinois and Ohio, so I'm familiar with the area. Hopefully, my friends and family from Ohio will come out to see me race here. I think it's going to be a great race on a great track."

Chicagoland Speedway will host its first race weekend on July 14 and 15, 2001 featuring NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series. It will host the Indy Racing League on September 2, 2001.

Text provided by Debbie Robinson

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.