The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR WCUP: Jerry Nadeau, Team 25 Speed Shot - Brickyard 400

1 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Beginning at the Brickyard 400, the No. 25 Chevrolet will sport new decals on the rear quarter panels -- MH2.com -- reflecting the evolution and growth of the business-to-business side of sponsor MichaelHoligan.com's parent company, MH2Technologies.

Jerry Nadeau, driver of the No. 25 MichaelHoligan.com Chevrolet talks about the importance of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and what drivers have to do to run well there.

"Indy is one of those special tracks that just feels different as soon as you drive in, like Daytona (International Speedway). It's one of those races that everyone wants to win. I used to think about driving at Indy in an open-wheel car. Getting to race in the Indy 500 is one thing on just about every driver's list of things they want to do. If I had the chance to race in the Indy 500 -- well, I don't know. I'd have to look at the circumstances before I said yes. Racing in a Winston Cup car is where I want to be.

"A ton of horsepower is the key to winning at Indy. The straights are so long -- they give you a good opportunity to set someone up for a pass in the turns. The turns are relatively flat, but they're also very wide and you can pass there. Hendrick Motorsports teams have always done well there, so I hope we'll continue that tradition. We're close to getting our first pole, and it would be great to get it at Indy. Getting our first win there would be even better."

For Mark Wilkinson, the engine tuner on the No. 25 MichaelHoligan.com Chevrolet, a trip to Indianapolis used to mean it was Labor Day weekend, the race was the U.S. Nationals and the track was Indianapolis Raceway Park. The Memphis, Tenn., native came to Hendrick Motorsports after working for a variety of drag racing drivers and owners, including champions Bill Barney and Terry Mullins. For the last five years, he worked with former champion and Top Fuel team owner Darrell Gwynn. Does he miss the quarter mile?

"Yeah, I miss the feel of 6,000 horsepower and the smell of nitro at the starting line. This is a whole new ball game and the challenges are incredible. I still can't believe how many people are in the stands on Sunday!"

Viggy's Dining Guide: Nadeau's motorcoach driver, John "Viggy" Vignona is a connoisseur of the restaurants near each of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series tracks. The Long Island, N.Y., native recommends the Rathskeller in Indianapolis.

"It's an authentic German restaurant downtown. It's got great food and an authentic outdoor beer garden. It's on East Michigan Street, just around the corner from the Murat Theater."

Text provided by Bob Margolis

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