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NASCAR: Larry Pearson Could Write a Book on Racing at Bristol

31 March 1999

SPARTANBURG, S.C. --- If you ask Larry Pearson why he likes competing at Bristol Motor Speedway, he can write a book about it. There are many reasons why Pearson gets excited about racing at Bristol, with his performance at the .533-mile oval.

I like going to Bristol because I normally run well there, Pearson said. I have one pole, two wins, five top fives and seven top 10s, so I know my way around this race track. Most of my wins have come on the short tracks, so Bristol will always be a favorite of mine. When you have a good record at a track, it feels like you already have an advantage over the rest of the competitors before you start the race.

Bristols high banks make for high speeds despite the tracks length. It takes time to build confidence on the track, but Pearson has logged a lot of laps there. But as do all competitors, Pearson knows Bristol is a very challenging track, no matter how confident he is.

Bristol is not a smooth race track, Pearson said. It is tight and compact. You have more of a sensation of speed at Bristol that you do at Daytona. If you are comfortable in your car at Bristol, you are not going fast enough. Things happen quickly when you get 43 cars out on the race track together.

Pearson doesnt mind the fast pace racing at Bristol. Conquering Bristol is a marriage of aggression, patience, and even finesse. So Pearson feels it suits his driving style.

Bristol is the type of track where I can use my experience to help me get to victory lane, Pearson said. As a driver at Bristol, you need a good balance between being aggressive and being patient. You cant get to the front without being aggressive, but you cant pass as easily as you can at the bigger tracks. This is where patience is definitely a virtue. If you do not pace yourself, you can loose your temper quickly.

Pearson had tackled the track in the mountains of Tennessee on two separate occasions and is set for another trip to victory lane. Another good run will add one more chapter to Pearsons book on Bristol.

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