NASCAR WCUP: Richard Childress Interview, California Speedway
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 28, 2001
(Are you anxious to have Jeff Green run these few races for you this year?) "It's a new team and this is the first time they've ran and we're excited about it. I think Jeff has a tremendous amount of talent if we can just get the right car under him. We tested with him and all the guys were happy with what they seen. We had a good test and we've got to go out there now and back it up."
(Are you concerned about adding a third team and about the possibility that the new team might not be as good as the other two?) "That's the reason it's taken us so long to try to put together what we feel is a strong enough program to do a three-car team. Dale (Earnhardt) and I talked about it, and about how to do a three-car team. And his (team, DEI) is working pretty good. He's got some good success. I think it can be done and we're going to give it a shot."
(Kevin Harvick says that he's learning a lot from you - especially on your Monday morning talks. What do you talk about?) "Well, we just talk about the different races and things to expect and things to watch for and look out for. And he's a good listener and he backs it up on the track."
(For a guy with all your knowledge, is it invigorating to work with such a young driver?) "Kevin has all the talent. He just needs a little guidance like any young driver. I remember Jeff Gordon coming in and getting the right help and I remember Dale Earnhardt coming in and getting some good help. He has all the talent in the world. We've just got to work with him and work together."
(Does Harvick remind you of anybody?) "You know, a lot of his driving style and what he reminds me of a lot --- well, I'll give you two versions. He has a lot of the young David Pearson in him by being savvy. But then he also has a lot of grit and determination in him like Tim Richmond. Tim, and his driving style of getting to the front, is a lot like Kevin's. This isn't personalities - this is just watching them on the racetrack. I like to look at Kevin Harvick as a total different individual and a total different driver. But I see a similarity or two of some things you seen the old silver fox do in his young days and some of the things I've seen Kevin do on the racetrack. There's many drivers you can compare to."
(Are things beginning to settle down for you a little bit more now?) "I just take it day by day. Every day is difficult. You've just got to keep moving forward and keeping busy and try to keep your mind occupied until you get tired at night and try to go to sleep."
(Since Daytona, lot of people have commented on the strength of your car program and how well you've pulled this back together with your leadership skills. What do you think about that?) "Oh, yeah, there's a lot of people in the garage area who could have done it. I'm just surrounded by a lot of good people and they give us the support we need. And it's been tough. It's tough every day."
Text provided by Nancy Wager
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