NASCAR WCUP: Stacy Compton Interview: Chicagoland Speedway
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 8, 2001Stacy Compton, Driver of the No. 92 Kodiak Dodge Intrepid R/T On the New Chicagoland Speedway
Stacy Compton and the No. 92 Kodiak Dodge Intrepid R/T team, spent the last two days at the new Chicagoland Speedway in preparation for the inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup race on July 15. Although the rain limited practice at the track, Compton gave the new track high marks.
Q: What are your impressions of Chicagoland Speedway, from the track to the facilities?
A: The officials have done a great job with this track. From the track to the garages to the luxury boxes, they've done a fabulous job of putting together a world-class facility from top to bottom. With the way tracks are being built nowadays, this is a true showplace and something to be proud of.
Q: What is it going to take to be successful here?
A: This track is fast -- bad fast. It should be one of the fastest on the circuit, possibly faster than Texas. We'll all be curious to see how NASCAR attempts to slow things down out here, if at all. After turning 197 mph in the corners, I can honestly say, it's going to take a lot of confidence and control to get around this place. As a two-groove track, we should be able to run wide-open all the way around, which is going to make for some great racing. It's going to be a good test for the Dodge Intrepid and our drivers.
Q: What other tracks does it resemble?
A: It drives like Vegas and has the speed of Texas, maybe faster. The corners sweep a lot like Kentucky, where we do a good deal of testing; only it's much faster
Q: What cars did you bring and how did they test?
A: We brought our Michigan and Charlotte cars, yet due to the bad weather we were only able to turn a dozen or so laps in the Michigan car. The only thing we really learned is that we need more testing time. That's why these cars will be back here for open testing.
Q: How does it feel to be back racing in the Midwest?
A: I'm real excited about it. We had good success in the truck series and the fans are great. It's my experience that there are a lot of Midwesterners hungry for the sport, which should make for a great atmosphere once race day comes. And I really think that if the fans come out they are going to be in for a great show.
Text provided by P. Mason
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