NASCAR WCUP: Roush Racing ready for racing action after short break
27 April 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
After the holiday weekend to nurse the aches of a nine-week stretch of
races, the Winston Cup and Busch Series competitors head back into action
this weekend at California Speedway, while the Craftsman Truck Series
takes a break. With many drivers having the opportunity to visit with
family and return to their roots last week, we asked the seven Roush
Racing drivers what track, not on their respective series' schedule, was
their favorite to race.
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Mark Martin, No. 6 Valvoline/Cummins Ford Taurus: "My favorite track not on the Winston Cup circuit is definitely Slinger in Wisconsin. That is just a cool track. It is banked like Bristol and we used to turn about 11-second laps there. That track was a lot of fun."
Kevin Lepage, No. 16 FamilyClick.com Ford Taurus: "Catamount has a special place in my heart. It's a 1/3-mile asphalt race track north of Burlington, Vermont. I ran my very first race there in 1980 when I was 17. I substituted for my older brother, and I was fortunate enough to win my qualifying race and then finish 10th in the feature."
Jeff Burton, No. 99 Exide Batteries Ford Taurus: "I would have to say it is Nazareth (Pa.) Speedway. I ran the track when I ran the NASCAR Busch Series full time. It is so unique with its shape and I like it because it is flat pretty much all the way around. I have always liked tracks with very little banking. It's just a track that is different than any other and has its own personality."
Matt Kenseth, No. 17 DEWALT Tools Ford Taurus: "I'd have to say Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. I've run there many times and it's easy to like a track that you've done well on. The track has a dogleg that makes it unique. It's fast for a mile, and it's a great atmosphere with when they pack 8,000 fans in the grandstands."
Greg Biffle, No. 50 Grainger Ford F-150: "Probably my favorite track outside of the truck circuit would have to be Portland Speedway. I started my racing career there running Late Models and Sportsman divisions. I've had a lot of success there and there are even some berry bushes in turn three named after me. Before the trucks ran at Portland, there was no wall in turn three, and if you went in a little fast you would end up in the berry bushes. I did it a few times and the bushes eventually became known as the "Biffle Berries." That place brings back a lot of memories and it's a pretty tough track. The backstretch has newer pavement than the front so it presents quite a challenge. There are many nooks and crannies throughout that can throw you off, but if you know the track you can really get around. That place really helped my career take off and it will always hold a special place in my heart."
Kurt Busch, No. 99 Exide Batteries Ford F-150: "Las Vegas Motor Speedway would have to be my favorite track not on the Craftsman Truck Series tour. For one, Vegas is my home town and you can't beat running races in front of a hometown crowd. On top of that, it's just a great track. There are all sorts of racing lines around the place that allow for some pretty competitive racing. Fans always get a great show when they go to Vegas and that's what it's all about. I was pretty bummed when I found out the truck series wouldn't be there this year, but hopefully they will add it back on the schedule in 2001."
Text provided by Kevin Radvany
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