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NASCAR BGN: Casey Atwood returns to Nashville

5 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Nashville, TN - Casey Atwood knows the time is approaching. He can feel the energy and excitement mounting. The 19-year-old driver of the No. 27 Castrol GTX Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series is bubbling with anticipation, waiting anxiously for the April 8 running of the BellSouth Mobility 320 at Nashville Speedway USA, his home track.

"I've been thinking about this race since last season when I finished second," said Atwood, a resident of Antioch, Tennessee. "I want to win at Nashville in the Busch Series. I grew up watching races there. I've won races in a Late Model, a pole in the Busch Series and finished second twice there, but nothing would compare to a win."

Until recently, much of Atwood's racing career has been centered around the Nashville area. Launched at the age of 10, he immediately scored three consecutive Tennessee State Karting championships and two World Karting Association championships.

When he turned 15, Atwood moved into the Late Model Stock division at Highland Rim Speedway, located north of Nashville. He captured more than a dozen victories before receiving his driver's license on his 16th birthday. Atwood began competing full-time at Nashville Speedway USA in 1996. He grabbed the Late Model Stock division Rookie of the Year honors and also made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut.

"It has always been special," said Atwood. "Growing up, I watched Darrell Waltrip and a bunch of other great Tennessee drivers race in Winston Cup there. I've always looked up to them. Then, I started racing on the same track. It was very cool."

In 1998, at age 17 and with two seasons of experience competing on the legendary 0.596 mile oval, Atwood took a major step in his career by entering select Busch Series events. He made his debut at North Carolina Speedway, but it wasn't until he made his second start, at Nashville Speedway USA, that he astonished the racing world. Atwood turned the fastest lap in qualifying and scored his first career pole award, marking him as the youngest driver to ever achieve such a benchmark.

"Winning my first Busch Series pole, in just my second start, at my local track had to be one of the biggest moments in my career," said Atwood. "It was like a dream come true. But, I'd give it all up for a win."

Last season, the promising young driver built upon his achievements. He joined the newly formed Castrol GTX Racing team and scored two wins, two poles and proved to be a contender in every race.

"There is talk of a new track in Nashville," said Atwood. "I don't know how many more chances I'm going to have to win. I'm going after it this year. One way or another, I know it's going to be exciting!"

Text provided by Craig Bailey

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