---

NASCAR WCUP: Nemechek Fastest Again in Happy Hour

4 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DOVER, DE: Joe Nemechek again posted the fastest lap during practice during Happy Hour, the final Winston Cup practice session before the MBNA Platinum 400. Nemechek ran a total of 69 practice laps in Happy Hour. His fastest lap was his 40th, clocking in at 23.386 seconds.

Nemechek has been fast all weekend, posting the second-fastest lap in yesterday's first practice session and the fastest lap in the second session. He and the rest of the Oakwood Homes Racing team feel that they have the car to beat in tomorrow's MBNA Platinum 400.

"It's a long race-400 miles is a long way here, but this is probably one of the best driving racecars I've ever had here at Dover. I think I've come close to having a shot of winning some of these races up here in the past, and this Oakwood Homes Chevy is running good. It's been strong since we unloaded off the truck.

"I just want to be up there and run with Mark Martin and Tony Stewart and those guys who are going to be fast-who are fast here all the time. I think if we can run with them all day long--and make it to the end-I think we may have something for them."

Nemechek finished fifth in today's MBNA Platinum 200 Busch Grand National Race. He starts 10th tomorrow in the MBNA Platinum 400.

Text provided by Tiffany Ricardo

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.