NASCAR WCUP: Kenseth looks for level field at new Kansas City track
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
September 26, 2001Matt Kenseth's thoughts on the Inaugural Event at Kansas:
Kansas Speedway is a brand new track on the circuit. Some drivers have tested there but you have not. Is this going to be a disadvantage? "We chose not to test there because our teammates were testing there and we felt like we'd benefit more from testing at Homestead and Rockingham - tracks where we have not done that at well in the past. I like the 1.5-mile tracks and I hear its like Chicago with a straighter backstretch. We had a top-10 at Chicago so we think we'll be all right at Kansas. I think its great that NASCAR is taking us into new markets, and I think the show for the fans will be pretty good."
Kenseth on the show of patriotism at Dover last weekend:
"It was pretty amazing. People were singing along and waving their American Flags. It was very emotional and just a true show of how bright the American sprit really is. Dover did a great job with the opening ceremonies."
Crew Chief Robbie Reiser's thoughts on Kansas:
"We have not tested at Kansas, but our Roush Racing teammates have. They will share their information with us as we work on our car this weekend. We will look forward to the open practice day on Thursday to see what Kansas is all about. This team is usually very good on 1.5-mile tracks so we will let Matt get behind the wheel and see what we have. This week at the shop we tried to evaluate where our biggest problems have been this season and how we can start to change things. None of us like taking provisionals every week so we will probably focus on qualifying as a start. To be honest, that is going to be just the tip of the iceberg."
"It's been a challenge to keep these guys up and ready every each week. This season is long and the 20 race stretch is hard on everyone. There are some tracks coming up where we've had good performances both this season and last year. I think we have some good things to look forward too. We have not given up on this deal yet."
Spotter Mike Calinoff's thoughts on Kansas:
"This is new ground for everyone - even the spotters - so practices will be important for us to get a good feel for the fastest line. The Busch Series race will help us to figure out which direction cars will go when they wreck."
Text provided by Amy Walsh
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit
The Racing Photo Museum and the
Visions of Speed Art Gallery.