NASCAR WCUP: Can't Buy Me Love
17 April 1999
CONCORD, N.C. -- "If I was in it for the money, I would be in management and have my weekends free."Jeff Buice (pronounced Byce) is an extremely humble, friendly but intense individual when it involves the sport he has dedicated most of his life to -- NASCAR racing.
Buice, 33, is team manager and crew chief for the No. 9 Melling Racing Ford in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. His commitment to the sport goes beyond what money can buy.
"If I didn't think I could win, I wouldn't do it," proclaimed Buice. "I want to prove that teams can win on small budgets."
Like many others involved in motor sports, Buice began his racing tenure at an early age. In 1982, at 16, the Tucker, Ga., native started building his own street stock from a 1972 Chevelle. As a driver, Buice rose from street stocks to late models and finally the All-Pro Series, NASCAR Touring Division. Buice entered five events -- 13th was his best finish.
In 1989, Buice decided to put away the driver's suit. He focused his efforts on the mechanics of racing when he joined the late NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki's team. Though a natural progression for Buice, he still misses the driver's seat.
"Driving is very addictive," said the Mooresville, N.C., resident. "I miss being behind the wheel, especially when we go to the short tracks. When I watch my seven-year-old son, Dalton, race his go-kart, I sometimes want a go-kart of my own so I can show him some moves."
Buice has occasionally climbed back behind the wheel. In 1997, he won a mechanics street stock race held on the Legends track of Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte.
Currently, Buice is in his third season as crew chief for Melling Racing. Jerry Nadeau, driver of the No. 9 Ford, came to the team mid-way through the 1998 season.
"I picked Jerry myself because I saw a lot of potential," Buice said. "I think having driving experience myself helps me relate to him, since he is still very new to stock car racing.
"The potential to win is there. I see it and the team sees it. Unfortunately if you don't finish well, no one else sees it."
Looking for potential seems to be this crew chief's philosophy on motor sports. When asked for his thoughts on the future of Melling Racing, Buice said he would love to see another car added to the Melling line-up, though he doesn't feel being a single-car team hurts the program.
Consistency is at the top of Melling Racing's to-do list. Buice's goals for the team also include qualifying for every race and finishing each race in the top 15. He believes that once consistency is established, everything else will follow.
"I find satisfaction when we beat the big guy," Buice said.
Though impatient at times, Buice knows that success does not happen overnight. With so many variables in motor sports, it's easy to get frustrated. When he does, Buice thinks of drivers like Jeff Burton, who worked very hard to get to the top.
Buice is content to stay at Melling Racing, where he is an individual and not just another number. "Melling is serious about racing, and that's all I need."
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