NASCAR BGN: Todd Bodine ready for bullring racing
13 June 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
"We basically are racing two bullrings in a row. Myrtle Beach is a short, flat race track and much like South Boston, there will be a lot of cautions. This Phillips 66 team has had a rough couple of weeks with a broken shock in Dover and the accidents last weekend at South Boston. We really want to get a good finish at Myrtle Beach. We tested there two weeks ago and should be in good shape when we get there Saturday." -- Todd Bodine, driver of the No. 66 Phillips 66 Chevrolet
Todd's Thoughts On Myrtle Beach . . . "The track at Myrtle Beach is a little different since they put in the pit wall for green flag pit stops. During the test we had there a couple weeks ago and we learned a few things that should help us in the race this weekend. The racing groove isn't as wide but it should provide for some interesting racing. Much like South Boston, Myrtle Beach is a place where you have to be on your toes. You need to not only pay attention to what your car is doing but you need to be aware of what the other cars around you are doing. I enjoy short-track racing and Myrtle Beach is short-track racing at its best. "
* Bodine's average finish at Myrtle Beach Speedway is eighth. In his last two races at the half-mile oval, Bodine finished sixth (1999) and fourth (1997).
* Twelve Busch Series events have been run at Myrtle Beach since 1988. There have been 12 different winners in the 12 events at the .538-mile oval.
The Equipment . . . "Twister" is the car Bodine will compete with at the half-mile oval of Myrtle Beach Speedway this weekend. Bodine finished fourth at New Hampshire International Speedway behind the wheel of "Twister" earlier this season. It's the same car Bodine finished fourth with at Memphis and second with at Indianapolis during the 1999 season.
Last Week In South Boston . . . South Boston proved to be a headache for the Phillips 66 team last weekend. After qualifying sixth, Bodine ended up getting caught up in an accident at lap 68. Also plagued by transmission problems, Bodine eventually finished the event in 36th place.
"It was unfortunate what happened but that's short-track racing. I honestly don't know what happened there when we spun, but that put us back in the pack where a lot of accidents tend to happen and we got caught up in one. I know we lost a lot of ground in the championship chase, but we go to every race to win. The guy with the best luck will win the championship and right now Jeff Green has the luck on his side."
Text provided by Penny Copen
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