NASCAR WCUP: Dodge says 'We're Due' at California Speedway
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 27, 2001
FONTANA, Calif. - For Dodge Motorsports, it's time. It has been 23 years since the last Dodge win at the former Ontario Motor Speedway, and Dodge Motorsports says the return to California may be just what is needed to put Dodge back in the winner's circle.
"We're due," said Bob Wildberger, Senior Manager of NASCAR Operations for Dodge. "Our chances are really good. We've shown we are competitive at every track. We've led laps in every single race. We're optimistic that we can translate that into our first victory."
Through nine races, Dodge has won two poles, and secured six top-five finishes and 12 top 10s. Its highest finish was second by the No. 43 Cheerios Dodge Intrepid R/T driver John Andretti at the Food City 500 in Bristol, Tn. Sterling Marling, in the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge Intrepid R/T, is fifth in points, while Bill Elliott is 10th in the No. 9 Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T.
"We've never run at the California Speedway, but we've shown we can run up front," added Wildberger. "We've performed well at both high speed tracks like Atlanta, where Dave Blaney led a number of laps in the No. 93 Amoco Dodge. We've also done well at handling tracks like Darlington and Rockingham. We've tested at Michigan Speedway, and it's very similar to California. But this is our first two-mile track, so we'll see what happens."
Wildberger noted that the teams learn new things with every week and every new track. That learning is fueled by the continued support of the "one-team" approach, which provides teams data on race car performance based on computer modeling of the cars on each race track.
"The overall program has matured, and so has each race team," said Wildberger. "Every single team has been competitive, which is a real testament to our 'one-team' approach. We're proud of the depth of the program in the two months we have been racing."
While Wildberger said it is a little disappointing to have not had a Dodge in the winner's circle yet, the dealers are satisfied with the program and the on-track action is translating into showroom traffic.
"We set our goals very high," said Wildberger. "We started off with the pole at Daytona, and the expectations went up from there. When we got a second place finish at Bristol, our thirst for first became even stronger. But we're pleased with the performance of the teams and what they have achieved. Our dealers realize how big these accomplishments are and are very satisfied with the on-track performance and benefit to the business. They are reporting that people are coming into Dodge showrooms talking about NASCAR and wanting to see the Dodge that races in Winston Cup. We've had a very high return on investment in terms of our exposure."
Overall, Wildberger says the program is on track and gearing up for even better results in the second half of the season. A trip to the winner's circle this weekend would certainly rev things up.
Text provided by Dave Elshoff
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