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

NASCAR BGN: Buckshot Jones prepares for intimidating weekend at Darlington

30 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
"Darlington is pretty intimidating by all means. You need to take a different approach to driving at Darlington because you're really not used to running right up against the wall from start to finish. --Buckshot Jones

* Buckshot Racing will be fielding a brand new car this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Underneath the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo body will be a new Hopkins chassis, a first for Buckshot Racing. In the past, Buckshot Racing has always used Laughlin chassis' and Hopkin's front snouts.

* During last year's Dura Lube 200 Jones lost radio communication with his spotter just 60 laps into the race. The only communication he had was with his crew chief who could only see the frontstretch of the track.

"Believe me, Darlington is not the place to lose contact with your spotter," Jones said. "When you're running right up against the wall at the top of the banking, there's no way you can see a car moving underneath you."

Learning The Darlington Ropes...

* Jones was fortunate enough to have been escorted around the track in a passenger van by David Pearson during a testing session at Darlington back in 1997. The tips Pearson provided to Jones must have helped because he posted his best ever finish of sixth following the test session.

Text provided by Chris Haid

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