NASCAR BGN: Geoffrey Bodine prepared for racing at Milwaukee Mile

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 26, 2001

Geoffrey Bodine To Make First Run At Milwaukee . . . Although Bodine is a seasoned veteran in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, he is about to embark on some new racing venues as he tours the NASCAR Busch Series behind the wheel of the No. 66 Phillips 66 Chevrolet.

"I'm looking forward to the summer and getting more comfortable behind the wheel of a Busch Series car," Bodine said. "Milwaukee is just the first of a number of tracks I have yet to race. I kind of feel like a rookie in some instances. The Phillips 66 team has been to all of these tracks. I think when we combine that with my driving experience, we should be able to put together a string of successful races."

Crew Chief Donnie Richeson On Milwaukee . . . "Milwaukee is a track that offers a mixed bag. We really never know what to expect until we get there. We will try to get a car that handles well on the long runs. Tires tend to wear out pretty quick in Milwaukee. Nine times out of 10 it is usually a pretty hot and humid race which lends to even more slipping around on the track. Hopefully, we can find a set-up that allows for long, green-flag runs that aren't too rough on the tires."

Equipment . . . "Fido" is the car the Phillips 66 team is taking to Milwaukee this weekend. The Phillips 66 team won the pole at Richmond International Raceway last fall with "Fido." The team finished fifth with "Fido" at Nazareth Speedway earlier this season.

Testing At Chicago . . . Bodine and crew chief Donnie Richeson spent a couple days at the new Chicagoland Speedway during the off week trying to get acquainted with the 1.5-mile track. Bodine said race fans can expect high speeds at the facility's inaugural Winston Cup and Busch Series events.

"The track is extremely fast," Bodine said. "It reminds me a lot of Atlanta and Texas. It is definitely going to be a fast race. It's one of those deals where you pretty much hold your breath and dig in for qualifying."

Text provided by Penny Copen

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