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NASCAR BGN: Randy Lajoie event preview, Indianapolis Raceway Park

1 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Randy LaJoie
Driver, No. 1 Bob Evans Restaurants Chevrolet Monte Carlo
NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division
Event Preview Fact Sheet

Event: Kroger 200
Track: Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP)
Track Specs: 0.686-mile oval

HOT TOPIC

Why do you think the NASCAR Busch Series rookies have had so much success this season?

Randy LaJoie: "This rookie class is one of the most talented I've seen in a while. They've all got some great teams behind them.

"Kevin Harvick came in with Richard Childress Racing, and you knew that was going to be a great opportunity for anybody. But, Kevin has done a heck of a job. I think the team got a reality check when they didn't make the show in Rockingham (N.C.), but I think that made them hungry for success. They proved that last weekend in Gateway (Mo.) by winning, and I think they're going to win a few more before the season is over.

"You look at Ron Hornaday, and he's as far from a rookie as anybody with the amount of seat time he has. He stepped in the No. 3 car that has won a couple of championships with Little E (Dale Earnhardt Jr.), and has done well.

"They all have done a great job, but the guys with the best race teams have proven they've got the right stuff -- just like Little E and Matt Kenseth have done in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series this year."

LaJoie Looks Ahead to the Kroger 200:

"We're heading back to one of my favorite tracks on the NASCAR Busch Series circuit this Friday.

"There are a couple of grooves at IRP. Drivers used to be able to run right up against the wall, and that was the fastest way around. But, after they repaved it a couple of years ago, you can run on the yellow line at the bottom of the track.

"If you get the car right and stay out of trouble, you'll probably come out of there with a top-five finish. But, if you struggle, it's difficult to get the car dialed in -- it's such a fast little race track.

Things happen pretty quickly at IRP, and you aren't always able to make the changes you'd like because you can risk going a lap down -- especially if you have to stop under green.

"I've won there before and with the way our last few races have gone, I don't see why we can't put the Bob Evans Restaurants Chevrolet in victory lane. Good pit stops and track position will be the key to victory."

Text provided by DeLana Linville

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