NASCAR WCUP: Will Kenseth Repeat Win in Coca-Cola 600?
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
May 23, 2001Matt Kenseth's thoughts on the Coca-Cola 600:
How did it feel to win this race last year as a rookie?
“It was awesome. We just hit the setup right on the head after the rain delay. If I have ever had a perfect car– that was it. Robbie and the guys made it happen.”
Will any of the notes you made from last years setup translate over to this years 600?
“Yeah, we will utilize some of our notes, but with the new tires this year it may be a little different. We'll have to see what happens in practice.”
The DEWALT team is 11th in the point standings right now. Do you think you can break into the top-10 in Charlotte?
“I hope so. We have struggled a little this year, and I’m actually pretty happy to be as high in the point standings as we are right now. If we knew how to fix the problems we have been having, believe me – we would. Most of the stuff that has gone wrong has been out of our control but that does not mean we are just going to give up on it all.”
Compare this season to your rookie season. Is there anything different this year going into this race than there was last year?
“We had a lot more confidence coming into this race last year than we do this year. Its just been the way the season has progressed. We obviously know we are capable of winning the 600, but I just don't know if we can repeat it this year.”
Crew Chief Robbie Reiser's thoughts on the Coca-Cola 600:
Describe the win last year and your feelings about the 2001 Coca-Cola 600.
“Winning the Coca-Cola 600 with Matt last year was an awesome experience. It shows what the team is made of. We were the underdogs in that race, and came out on top. So far this year there have been a few races where we thought we were capable of some good runs. Hopefully we will redeem ourselves by pulling off another upset in the 600.”
Text provided by Amy Walsh
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