NASCAR WCUP: Ward Burton used the Winston Open as a test session
24 May 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
"We really struggled last week at The Winston. We brought a new car, but it just wasn't good enough. We fought loose all weekend. I guess it was good to be able to try that car before having to race a points race. So, I'd say we used The Winston as a test session."
BURTON ON THE WINSTON
"We fought with the handling of the car all weekend. Then when we went to qualify and had a little problem in the pits. Nothing serious and I probably could have made up the lost time on the track, but the car wasn't handling well enough for me to drive into the corners like I needed to. So we started toward the back, which isn't a problem either since Michael Waltrip won from 21st position in 1996.
"The whole Caterpillar Racing team worked real hard on Saturday during practice to get the car handling so I could drive it the way I needed to. What's difficult is we practice during the day all weekend then we race at night when it's a lot cooler. That temperature change really changes the handling of the car a lot. But the crew eventually got the car handling only to be caught in an accident on the backstretch. We ended up finishing 10th, but more importantly we learned not to take that car back for the 600."
BURTON ON THE COCA-COAL 600
"We're looking forward to getting back to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. I really like racing there, especially at night. We'll have a car there when we go back. Since Tommy's been on board, we haven't finished out of the top 10 sat Charlotte, so I am sure they'll get the car right.
BURTON ON BEING NAMED HONORARY CHAIRMAN FOR NATIONAL HUNTING & FINSHING DAY
"It is truly an honor to be named the Honorary Chairman for National Hunting & Fishing Day. When anyone gets grouped with people like George Bush and Arnold Palmer, that's awesome. Aside from racing, being an avid outdoorsmen is my second passion. I have been connected to the outdoors since a young age and learned to take a responsible role in the natural world."
Text provided by Heidi Stoddard
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