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NASCAR BGN: Todd Bodine Readies for Run at Memphis

27 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

NASCAR Busch Series Notes

On Memphis: This Halloween weekend may prove tricky for a number of competitors in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division as the series visits the Memphis Motorsports Park for the 30th event of the 1999 season. Todd Bodine, driver of the Phillips 66 Chevy, is one of a handful of drivers who have track time at the newest addition to the Busch Series schedule. Bodine and his No. 66 team spent two days at Memphis earlier this month. Aside from learning a few things about the .75-mile tri-oval and posting the quickest lap times, Bodine and the Phillips 66 team discovered that the new facility is quite similar to a track where Bodine has posted impressive performances.

"Memphis is pretty comparable to Richmond," Bodine said. "Memphis is not as D-shaped as Richmond and the corners are a little tighter. Other than that the tracks are pretty similar. I think the race fans will see a good race at Memphis. We are usually pretty good on new tracks and Richmond has always been a good track for us. It should be a good weekend for us."

Equipment: The car Bodine will compete with in Memphis this weekend is "Twister." "Twister's" best finish in 1999 is the second-place Bodine scored at Indianapolis Raceway Park in August. "Twister's" only finish outside the top 10 was a 38th at Richmond in September. That finish was the result of engine failure. The Phillips 66 team hopes to continue "Twister's" string of good finishes with a win this weekend.

Last Weekend In Rockingham: Bodine and the Phillips 66 team posted a fourth-place qualifying effort for the Kmart 200 last weekend in Rockingham. After leading a few laps in the event, the handling on the Phillips 66 Chevy became loose and Bodine started falling back. The team made adjustments to the car and battled back from one lap down to finish fifth, securing the ninth top-five finish for Phillips 66 in 1999.

Bodine Favorite: Bodine's favorite candy during the Halloween season is M&Ms candies.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.