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NASCAR BGN: Casey Atwood finds Bristol Motor Speedway 'Intense'

24 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Before Antioch, Tennessee resident Casey Atwood made his first start at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1998, he was told by other drivers what to expect. At first, he thought that what they were telling him couldn't be right. Eventually, he learned for himself.

"Watching races from Bristol on ESPN, I knew the action was fierce but I had no idea what I was in for," said Atwood, driver of the No. 27 Castrol GTX Chevrolet Monte Carlo. "I was told that you are so focused, you get confused and don't even know if you are on the frontstretch or the backstretch. I thought, no way!"

But after three starts on the 0.596 mile track, Atwood now understands what they were talking about.

"You have to concentrate so much," continued Atwood. "I've watched guys come into the wrong pits because they lost sight of which side of the track they were on. Luckily, it hasn't happened to me, but it easily could. The only word to use for Bristol is intense."

COME MEET CASEY ATWOOD IN NASHVILLE:

On April 6, fans in the Nashville, Tennessee area have the opportunity to meet Casey Atwood, driver of the No. 27 Castrol GTX Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The 19-year-old driver will be signing autographs in conjunction with a charity event, which benefits the Tennessee Donor Services and Friends in General. The event runs from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Agricultural Building at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds adjacent to Nashville Speedway.

CASEY ATWOOD QUICK FACT:

The Cheez-It 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway marks Casey Atwood's 50th NASCAR Busch Series start.

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.