---

NASCAR WCUP: Bristol is a 'survival race' for Ward Burton

23 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

"Bristol is a survival race. You have to be smart, cautious and aggressive all at the same time. We're going to concentrate on a good qualifying lap, so we can have a good pit stall. We don't want to have to pit on the backstretch. It's all about keeping your nose clean and hopefully come out of there with a decent finish." -Bill Davis

BALDWIN ON BRISTOL

"We have been very busy this week, too busy to enjoy the win. We turned our Darlington car around and brought it back to Bristol. We raced this car at Bristol last year too. It's a great short track car that has obviously proven itself. This week, we're going to focus on improving our race set-up. We've had a top 10 car the last two years at Bristol, we need to become a contending car. We made great strides with our qualifying effort so we're fairly confident in being able to get a good starting spot.

BALDWIN ON HIS FIRST WIN

"It's an awesome feeling. When you're living your dream and you finally accomplish what you have worked your whole life for, it's pretty incredible. I stood in victory lane at Darlington and I couldn't believe that my dreams had finally come true, especially at a place like Darlington. I didn't do anything to celebrate, just sat at home and let it all soak in. Unfortunately, when we get to the track Friday and the gates open, it is a new race and everyone is focused on it. They've already forgotten what happened last week."

DAVIS ON THE WIN

"It's a lot of fun to go to work when you've been able to do what you were supposed to do - win. These races are so hard to win. The competition is unbelievable. There are so many good teams and drivers, so it means a lot to be able to beat all of those people. We are a top-five team and we have what it takes to win."

DAVIS ON HIS TEAM BEING FOURTH IN POINTS

"It's never too early to be thinking about the points. We approach Daytona worrying about the points. It certainly is nice sitting fourth in the points, but I have to be realistic. If we can continue to carry this momentum and Tommy and Doug continue to set-up great cars and our pit stops continue to be great, we can be contenders. It is going to be hard to replace one of those teams that challenge for the championship every year, but we can do it if can keep this momentum going."

Text provided by HKStoddard

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