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NASCAR BGN: Todd Bodine Lends A Hand To The Young Drivers Of The Busch Series

2 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

HARRISBURG, N.C. --- Competition in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division is tough. Newcomers to the series can have a difficult time adjusting to Busch Series cars and the various race tracks of the Busch Series schedule. An experienced team and friendly advice can go a long way for drivers new to Busch Series racing. Todd Bodine, driver of the Phillips 66 Chevrolet, is one veteran to whom a lot of the young drivers turn for advice.

"I like helping the younger drivers or drivers new to the series," Bodine said. "I remember how tough it was to be a rookie driver trying to adjust to the Busch cars and figuring out the tracks we visit. It isn't easy and it can be even harder if you don't have someone there to lend a hand."

A number of young drivers have the luxury of being affiliated with racing legends and have access to an endless supply of racing tips. All drivers, however, are not that fortunate and are forced to consult alternative resources for advice.

"Some guys have been lucky enough to have proven winners like a Mark Martin or a Dale Earnhardt to turn to for advice," Bodine explained. "All drivers don't have that luxury. I was pretty lucky because I had Geoff (Bodine) and Brett (Bodine) to go to for help. Both of them had already moved into Winston Cup by the time I got started and had a wealth of knowledge to offer. I guess I am just trying to repay that favor by helping other guys out who really don't have anybody to turn to for help."

One such driver is Lyndon Amick, driver of the No. 35 Chevrolet. Although he's not a newcomer to the series, Amick said he is always willing to listen to the advice being offered by a Busch Series veteran.

"When I first started running in the Busch Series, Todd would help me anyway he could," Amick said. "Todd's one of the veterans of the series and anytime you want you can go to him for advice. He was always real good about telling me when I wasn't doing something right and he always congratulated me when I had done a good job. That's something every driver needs when they are starting out."

Fellow northerner Andy Santerre is another driver who has consulted Bodine on occasion. Santerre, who's first career win came at Pikes Peak International Raceway last season, considers Bodine a trustworthy fountain of information.

"I talk to Todd a lot because I've known him a long time and I know he will shoot straight with me," Santerre explained. "When I won at Pikes Peak last year he was one of the first guys in victory lane to congratulate me, so I know he cares about what I do in my career. Todd's been around a long time. He has run a lot of laps on these race tracks and has had a lot of success.

"I remember in Texas I went to him and asked him what I should be doing on the race track and what I should be feeling with the car. He's always willing to give me a hand."

Although all the advice helps better the younger drivers of the series, it also helps the competition. Bodine said offering help to the younger drivers serves a double purpose.

"It's important to help out the young guys because they are the future livelihood of stock car racing," Bodine explained. "But in the same respect, these are the guys that I race with week in and week out. It helps me to help them because I'm running door-to-door with these guys while doing 150 to 190 mph. If they know what to do out on the track then there is a smaller chance of getting caught up in an accident."

Text provided By Penny Copen

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