NASCAR BGN: Spencer continues 'on a roll' in Busch Series

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 31, 2001

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jimmy Spencer and the #1 Yellow Racing Team are on a roll. With Spencer in the driver’s seat, the #1 Yellow Chevrolet has finished in the top 10 in four of the last five NASCAR Busch Grand National Series races – the lone exception being when driver Kevin Lepage drove the #1 race car at New Hampshire on May 12.

The next challenge for Team Yellow Racing, and the next opportunity for another strong performance, is Saturday’s MBNA Platinum 200 at Dover (Del.) Downs International Speedway, the track nicknamed "The Monster Mile." The one–mile, concrete-surfaced oval is rough on tires, but Spencer says he’s got a secret weapon for this weekend’s event – the 2001 Goodyear Eagle.

"The Goodyear Eagles proved themselves at Bristol this year," said Spencer. "They have been phenomenal on concrete tracks. In fact, they have been great everywhere we’ve been this year. I don’t think the tires are going to be any different at Dover, even though the "Monster Mile" is known for eating up tires."

Tires aren’t the only new components on this year’s Busch race cars that will affect the two races at Dover. New engine alterations force Busch race cars to burn fuel at a higher rate. This means drivers will have to pit for gas sooner than last year. The result could make for an interesting race on Saturday.

"Normally, you would need just one pit stop during the race," said Spencer. "Now, with the added horsepower to Busch engines, I’m thinking we will need to make two pit stops for fuel. With the new engine, you can’t run 200 miles on one stop.

"The new engine rules will make for a better race a Dover this weekend. Track position is always critical but with two pit stops, teams will have more opportunities to work on their race cars. That means the field will be a little more competitive at the end of the race."

Text provided by Chris Hunt

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