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NASCAR WCUP: Rockingham 'very special' to David Green

21 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

A VERY SPECIAL PLACE: North Carolina Speedway, host to Saturday's Kmart 200 NASCAR Busch Series race, holds a very special place in the heart of David Green, pilot of the No. 41 AFG Industries Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The Owensboro, Kentucky native has enjoyed much success at the 1.017-mile track racking up two pole positions, three top five and four top 10 finishes in 11 series starts. However, according to Green, the track is one of the most challenging on the circuit.

"Rockingham's surface is extremely porous and wears down the tires quickly, which drastically affects the handling of the car," said Green. "You have to pace yourself to save the tires which fits my driving style. Maybe that's why I like racing there so much."

Green's most memorable moment at track nicknamed The Rock' was in October 1994. Starting from the pole, he needed to finish 22nd or better to clinch the Busch Series championship.

"I will always remember that day," said Green. "We came to the race knowing that I had to finish 22nd or better. All year long you are waiting for the time to come and when you're finally in that position. You start to think, Oh no, can I really do this?'.

"We checked and double checked the car entirely too many times," joked Green. "We watched everything closer than ever. We knew that everything was on the line.

"I just missed getting into an accident about half way through the race," continued Green. "When the white flag finally came out, it was like 1,000 pounds had been lifted off my shoulders and all I could do was smile."

He finished 12th.

"We would've liked to finish a little bit better, but winning the championship meant more than anything. It is engraved in my mind forever."

GLASS DYNAMICS JOINS AFG RACING TEAM IN ROCKINGHAM: Stoneville, North Carolina-based Glass Dynamics, Inc., the largest fabricator of heavy glass in the United States, joins the AFG Industries/Larry Hedrick Motorsports team as an associate sponsor on the No. 41 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Kmart 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at North Carolina Speedway. Glass Dynamics produces glass in various sizes and shapes, with all types of edges and corners to be used in the furniture industry.

DAVID GREEN QUICK FACT: Saturday's Kmart 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at North Carolina Speedway marks David Green's 175th series start. Green, driver of the No. 41 AFG Industries/Larry Hedrick Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo, has five wins, 19 poles, 47 top five and 76 top 10 finishes in his Busch Series Career.

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