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NASCAR WCUP: The Dodge Garage; Progress Update

2 December 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

A regular update on the Dodge NASCAR Winston Cup Program from team owner and development leader Ray Evernham.

On the Development Program

"We're working on our race team development right now. With the end of the season, all the teams are back at square one, so we're all on the same playing field for 2001.

"No good driver will tell you they are really ready, but with the time left until the Daytona 500, we're in a really good place. I've watched that clock tick down day by day from 500 days down to 250 days to less than 100 now. But be aware - I'm going to smash that clock on the afternoon of the Daytona 500.

"We're just moving into our Statesville shop. It's going pretty well. We've been painting, rebuilding and modifying the space to meet our needs. We'll open the doors on December 15, and when the guys walk back in the door, I don't want them to have to worry about anything but racing.

On the Engine Program

"We just finished a test at Talladega where we were working to make gains on our restrictor plate engine. We've spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel, on the track and on the dyno to make sure we're ready come February.

"The development of the engine is really a search for speed versus endurance. One is a function of the other. Everyone wants horsepower, but with too much horsepower you can run into durability problems. We're working to find a balance between the two.

On Management Changes at NASCAR

"Congratulations to both Mike Helton and George Pyne. They are great assets to NASCAR and will continue to bring great things to our sport. Mike Helton has a lot of the same personality characteristics as Mr. France, and he will be a great leader for this organization."

Text Provided By Marlene Iandolo

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