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NASCAR BGN: Champion Green has high hopes for Phoenix race

1 November 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Jeff Green On Phoenix: Jeff Green, newly crowned 2000 NASCAR Busch Series Champion and driver of the No. 10 Nestle NesQuik Chevrolet, has high hopes for the chances of a win at Phoenix International Raceway.

"Last year was the first time I raced there in a Busch car," said Green. "We were really good in practice and qualifying, but before the race we made some changes to the car that didn't work for us and we never had the opportunity during the race to get the car back like we had it in practice. It just never really ran well during the race. We just missed it. It doesnt happen very often, but I guess it happens to everyone once in awhile. I know we learned enough last year to do better this year."

"The track changes a lot over the weekend because of the hot sun," said Green. "When the sun comes out, it brings the oil to the top of the asphalt and it makes the track slick. You need to have a tight set up under the car to work with the greasy track condition. In order to be successful, you have to be able to make changes as the track changes throughout the race."

Equipment: The NesQuik Racing team is taking the same car to Phoenix that won earlier this year at Pikes Peak and the spring Richmond event. It also competed at Nashville (led most laps; finished 13th) and Las Vegas (finished 6th).

Breaking Records: Green is one top-five finish away from tying Sam Ard's record for most top-fives in a single season. Green currently has posted 23 top-fives in 2000, while Ard posted 24 top-five finishes in 1984. If Green can finish in the top-five at both Phoenix and Homestead, he will have broken Ard's record.

First Time Around: Not only is this the first NBS championship for Green and crew chief, Harold Holly. It is also the first title for owner, Greg Pollex. Pollex has been an owner on the NASCAR circuit for eight years and he is thrilled to take home the title for the first time.

"The NASCAR Busch Series Championship is a tremendous accomplishment in my life," said Pollex. "Next to having five wonderful children, this championship has allowed me to reach a goal I have worked diligently to reach for eight long seasons. The championship is so gratifying since I get to enjoy it with Harold Holly and all my other long term teammates, my family and both my long time partner, Bob Campbell and newcomer, John Bender."

Text Provided By Marcy Scott

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