Whelen Monte Carlo Already Experienced At Chicagoland

#31 Whelen Monte Carlo driver Steve Park is one of the few NASCAR drivers who tested
on the new Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. The 1.5-mile trioval is fast, but fun
according to Park. During the test, Park proved to be one of the fastest drivers on
the track. He also experienced an engine problem that resulted in a spin and contact
with the rear against the wall of the new track. The Old Lyme, Conn. based team has
yet to finish outside the top 10 in four Busch Series races in 2001. With a rare
chance to test, it appears this weekend will be no different.

Park On Chicagoland Speedway:

“It’s a pretty cool place. It’s kind of like a cross between Texas and Las Vegas. It’
s hard to describe how it drives. It’s almost like a circle. You are constantly
turning. I think everyone will like it. It’s fast. In testing we had the Whelen Monte
Carlo almost touching 200 mph going down the front stretch. We lost a motor there and
hit the wall. It was no big deal, but I’m satisfied the walls work there and don’t
plan on testing them ever again. ”

Park On Chicago’s Importance to NASCAR:

“This is a great weekend for our sport. Going to new markets helps the sponsors, the
new fans and the media. I know Whelen is excited. They have a lot of customers in the
area and will be doing a lot this weekend. That’s what this is all about. If we can
keep the sponsors, race fans, and everyone else happy then NASCAR is going to continue
to grow. That means we will get to continue to race and that’s what I want.”

Park On His Whelen/Marsh Racing Team:

“I keep telling people how good this team is but especially how good this team would
be if it had the chance to race each weekend like the other Busch Series teams. I’m
especially excited for this weekend because we don’t normally get to test like the
other teams. We have had some trouble on pit stops, but that’s to be expected if you
don’t race each weekend. When we get the pit stops worked out, which I think we will
this weekend, we should be a threat to win the race. As a driver that is all you ever
ask from your team. So, I’m pretty happy with what the guys are doing. I know we aren’
t going to be satisfied until we will though. We are going to run 11 races this year
so we have more time to reach our goal.”

Drew Brown
1335 Torrence Circle
Davidson, NC 28036
704-895-3651 H
704-906-7992 C
drew_brown@mindspring.com