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NASCAR WCUP: Ricky Craven Looks for Another Front-Row Start at Lowe's

8 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CONCORD, N.C. - Ricky Craven knows what it takes to run well at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He has started on the front row three times and hopes to do it again in the UAW-GM Quality 500 on Sunday.

Craven and crew chief John Monsam need to make the correct adjustments to the No. 50 Chevrolet prior to Wednesday's qualifying session in order to keep their qualifying streak alive. The MidWest Transit Racing team, with Craven as their driver, has qualified for each Winston Cup race entered.

With first-round qualifying held during the twilight hours Wednesday and second-round qualifying held during much warmer conditions Thursday afternoon, does the team feel added pressure to make a strong showing on Pole Night?

"Pressure? This team and I have faced pressure eight previous times together and each time we have qualified for the race," said Craven. "We arrive at each track without the benefit of a provisional and each time we qualify."

Craven believes consistent laps begin with a good handling car that will stay down on the white line during qualifying. During the race, the track will allow the driver flexibility.

"The car must stick to the bottom of the race track in turns one and two during the race," Craven said. "On the other hand, you can search for the groove that works for you in turns three and four. At times, you run an arm's length away from the wall."

Craven was leading the 1996 UAW-GM Quality 500 on lap 278 as he made his final pit stop. The car became loose and Craven finished fifth after leading 86 of 334 laps.

This weekend he hopes to be in the same situation during final pit stops -- but with a far different and better outcome.

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