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NASCAR BGN: Skinner Debuts In The No. 15 Albertson's Chevrolet In Home State Of California

26 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

BOISE, IDAHO - NASCAR Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner begins his six-race NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division schedule in the No. 15 Albertson's Chevrolet in his home state of California. Skinner will compete in the Auto Club 300 on April 29 at California Speedway.

"I really enjoy racing at California Speedway," Skinner said, who calls Susanville, Calif., home. "I haven't had a ton of success there, but it's a great racetrack and it's a style of racing where I know I can perform well. I had never raced in Ontario even though I was born there. I competed mostly at Saugus and Bakersfield Speedways.

"I don't feel any added pressure going back to California. The pressure is the same for me at any track and in any race. I just go out there and do the best I can."

Skinner's decision to compete in a limited schedule in the Busch series was for one reason and one reason only... the chance to race and win.

"I really enjoy Busch racing, actually I just enjoy racing," Skinner said. "This schedule not only gives me the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a race car more often, it gives me the opportunity to run at some tracks where I could use a little more track time. Any added track time is an advantage for me on Sunday, but the advantage works both ways. The more time you are out there trying to set up the cars and getting a feel for the tires, the more prepared you will be come race time. The bottom line is that I just love to get out on the track and race."

Although Skinner has never competed in a full Busch schedule, he has a tremendous amount of respect for the series. He also respects car owner Andy Petree and the team. Petree and Skinner began this relationship in 1995 at Richard Childress Racing.

"I've known Andy for a long time now," said Skinner. "I began racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 1995 for RCR while Andy was the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt. We always got along well and even shared information back and forth. After winning two championships as a crew chief with Dale, I think it's great that he got the opportunity to be a car owner and to now own two Winston Cup cars and a Busch car is fantastic.

"Andy Petree knows racing and I know that he will put together a car for me that is competitive. I made a promise to myself and my Cup team that I wouldn't get back into a car that I felt couldn't compete. I plan on giving Andy and the No. 15 Albertson's Chevrolet my best effort and even win some races."

Skinner knows that to do well in the Busch Series he has to qualify well and that is a tough job in a Busch car.

"The competition in the Busch Series is stout, especially on qualifying day," Skinner said. "I truly believe qualifying day is the toughest day in the Busch Series. Racing against those guys is hard, but not nearly as difficult as trying to get into their race."

Following his debut in the Albertson's Chevrolet at California Speedway, Skinner will race at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 27 and October 7, Dover Downs International Speedway on June 3 and September 23 and Phoenix International Raceway on November 4.

Text provided by Heather Kincel

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