NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace sees Winston as test session for Coca Cola 600
17 May 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
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"We got extremely loose and lost a lap early in the race," said Wallace. "We worked our butts off to get back on the lead lap. We were in the top-10 near the end of this thing, and that's all you can ask for. The competition is so tough in NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing that all you want is a shot at winning.
"During the last pit stop we got cocky and went for two tires," continued Wallace. "Unfortunately, the car didn't respond the way we had hoped. But from where we were to where we ended up, I'd say we had a good night. Our goal was to finish in the teens, but I'm more proud of how this team rallied. Now we need to focus on our next race and improve on this night."
To Kenny Wallace, driver of the Square D/Cooper Lighting Chevrolet, The Winston Open is just another test session. While a win Saturday night would be nice for Wallace, he doesn't have to advance into The Winston to have a successful night.
"I look at The Winston Open as a test session for the Coca-Cola 600," said Wallace. "We'll pick the best car for The Winston Open and use it in the 600. If we win Saturday, it's a bonus. I still want to finish strong, but the focus is on testing. If I'm in The Winston, then I'm going wide-open and racing to win.
"In The Winston Open, we'll try out the car with the best setup for a shot at winning the Coca-Cola 600," continued Wallace. "If that car doesn't pass the test Saturday night, then we won't bring it back next weekend."
Wallace will have to douse his competitive fire to focus on what's best for his team. The Square D/ Cooper Lighting pilot will employ a conservative game plan to avoid a big mistake that could hurt the team's season.
"You don't want to take too many chances in The Winston Open because the result of the race isn't as important as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings," added Wallace. "I'm not going to go barreling into that race to try and win it. If you wreck and don't win the thing, you look like a zero. The rewards are not worth the risk."
Text provided by Chris Hunt
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