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NASCAR BGN: Tim Fedewa event preview, Michigan International

15 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Racing Roots...This weekend, Stanley driver Tim Fedewa returns to his racing roots and his homestate of Michigan. Fedewa hopes to reverse his fortunes from last year's showing at Michigan Speedway when he and the Stanley team failed to make the field.

"This is the most important race of the year for me because I'm in front of a lot of family and friends. Not making this race last year was one of the hardest things for me to swallow," Fedewa said. "There's really nothing like coming home. I grew up 40 minutes from Michigan Speedway, and this is where I started my career. I'd really like to give my hometown and fans something to cheer about this year."

Fedewa will make an appearance at Spartan Speedway on Friday night. On Saturday night, he will be at Merritt Speedway in Merritt, where he won late model rookie-of-the-year honors in 1985.

The Family Fedewa... Fedewa is a third-generation racer following in the footsteps of his father Butch Fedewa and grandfather Willie Fedewa. Fedewa's grandfather, father and uncle (Gary) have all been inducted into Michigan's Racing Hall of Fame.

"I think that the proudest day in my life was watching my dad get inducted into the Hall of Fame," Fedewa said. "Racing is in the family blood. My grandmother even raced in the early years. I just want to do them proud, and have a good run in front of the home crowd."

Fantastic Fedewa Fans ... Fedewa will hold his annual fan club meeting at the Michigan Speedway one hour after the Busch Series race on Saturday afternoon. This year's meeting has attracted about 150 members in the Tim Fedewa Fan Club and their guests.

"It's so flattering to have this many people come out and support me, and for this many people to be my fans," he said. "I always look forward to the fan club meeting and to sitting down and talking with the people. They are so kind, and they have so many wonderful things to say. I think it makes both our days."

The Car...The "Drive-Thru Car" is the car the Stanley team will race in Michigan. It was given its name after the race in Atlanta when the No. 97 car crashed into Fedewa's driver side. "That was a strong car, but we just got tangled up in a bad wreck," Fedewa said.

Who Wants To Be A Tool Winner? Rick Houston of NASCAR Winston Cup Scene was the winner of the "Who Wants To Be A Tool Winner?" Stanley Sweepstakes 2000 last weekend. Don't forget to enter.

Text provided by Wendy Goodman

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