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NASCAR: Best of Winston Cup and Busch Grand National Meet in Coca-Cola 300

3 March 1999

FORT WORTH-DALLAS The third annual Coca-Cola 300 on March 27 shapes up as a true "Battle of Champions," pitting 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup titleholder Jeff Gordon against defending NASCAR Busch Series and Coca-Cola 300 winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

The showdown on Texas Motor Speedways superspeedway could be a preview of years to come on the Winston Cup circuit. Earnhardt, son of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale, will compete in five Winston Cup races this year before moving to full-time Winston Cup racing in 2000.

"How could I say anything but great things about Texas," defending champion Earnhardt said. "It was my first win in the No. 3 ACDelco Busch Series car.

"I can truly say it is the most emotional win I have had in my career. It was great to win for the guys and my dad, to have him there to see it, made it even more special. I am looking forward to coming back to the big state of Texas and defending my title."

"I am looking forward to Texas Motor Speedway being the second stop on the Busch schedule Im running this year," said Gordon. "Ray (Evernham) and I chose Texas because of its size, speed and challenge. We are focused to perform well there and post our first Texas win with the No. 24 Pepsi/Fritos team."

Joining Gordon and Earnhardt, Jr. in attempting to qualify for the 43-car field on Coors Silver Bullet Qualifying Days will be Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Terry Labonte, Bobby Labonte, Ken Schrader, Jimmy Spencer, Dick Trickle, Matt Kenseth and Mike McLaughlin.