---

NASCAR BGN: Casey Atwood Looks Back on the 1999 Season

12 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Casey Atwood's first full season in the NASCAR Busch Series has produced many highlights for the 19-year-old driver. From his crash in Daytona to wins in Milwaukee and Dover, Atwood has many first-time experiences and lessons learned to take with him as he heads into 2000.

"Our main goal in 1999 was to be consistent and win races," said Atwood, driver of the No. 27 Castrol GTX Chevrolet Monte Carlo. "I felt we had a chance to win, but wins are so hard to come by. We reached that goal but we still need to work on consistency. It seem's like we were either running up front or in the back."

The Antioch, Tennessee resident started the season with a bang. In his first start at Daytona International Speedway, he took the ride of his life. As he approached the final lap, contact from another car sent him rolling through the tri-oval.

"When I think of Daytona, my first thought isn't of the crash," continued Atwood. "First, I remember the fact that we were challenging for the win. We proved we can run up front and be a threat. The worst part about the crash is that we destroyed a great race car."

Atwood currently sits 12th in the series point standings with a record of two poles (Milwaukee, Gateway), two wins (Milwaukee, Dover), five top five and nine top 10 finishes in 30 starts.

CASEY ATWOOD QUICK FACT:

Antioch, Tennessee resident Casey Atwood set the track qualifying record at the Homestead-Miami Speedway last year after turning a lap of 148.262 mph.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.