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NASCAR BGN: Atwood returns to scene of his debut

26 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
In 1998, the North Carolina Speedway was the site of then 17-year-old Casey Atwood's NASCAR Busch Series debut. On the rugged 1.017 mile speedway, the rookie made his presence known. He turned the 15th fastest lap in qualifying and scored a 21st place finish, on the lead lap.

"Making my first start in the Busch Series was big," said Atwood. "Mark Martin started behind me and I was surrounded by a bunch of guys I was used to watching on TV. I was really nervous."

Today, Atwood is 19. He's made 46 career Busch Series starts, scored two wins, four poles and earned the distinction of the becoming youngest NASCAR driver to win a pole (age 17) and a race (age 18). He returns to the North Carolina Speedway for Saturday's Alltel 200 Busch Series race with a different outlook.

"It's quite a bit different today than in 1998," said Atwood, driver of the No. 27 Castrol GTX Chevrolet Monte Carlo. "This is my fifth start and I'm a lot more comfortable racing here than at any other track we go to. Well, except maybe Nashville."

CASEY ATWOOD QUICK FACT: Casey Atwood has one top five finish in four starts at the North Carolina Speedway (2/20/99).

SAME AS IT EVER WAS: Following last October's NASCAR Busch Series event at the North Carolina Speedway, Casey Atwood and the Castrol GTX Racing team had a meeting to discuss the performance of the No. 27 Chevrolet Monte Carlo named Blackjack, the car used in the race.

"Even though the engine blew up after only four laps, we knew it was really fast," said Atwood. "It was good in practice and qualifying, and we felt like we had a good chance to win. When we got back to the shop, I asked (co-crew chiefs) Kip (McCord) and Jason (Ratcliff) not to change a thing on the car other than putting on a new 2000 body."

As Blackjack was disassembled, each part was noted and carefully stored. The new 2000 body panels were attached, then it was painstakingly reassembled with close attention paid to accuracy. This weekend's Alltel 200 Busch Series race at the North Carolina Speedway marks Blackjack's return to competition.

"Each time we come back to a track, the conditions change but at least with Blackjack we have a solid baseline," added Atwood.

Text provided by Craig Bailey

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