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NASCAR WCUP: The Dodge Report: A Regular Update from the Dodge Garage

25 January 2001

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

As Casey Atwood, rookie driver for Evernham Motorsports, prepares for the upcoming Talladega test, his sights are set on qualifying for the Daytona 500. Since testing at Daytona last week, Atwood, his young team and his pit crew, known as the "Dew Crew", have been working hard preparing the car and the team for its debut.

What We Learned At Daytona

"The No. 19 Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T is a really good car. We were a little off in Daytona, but my teammate, Bill Elliott, was pretty fast on the first day. We came home and compared notes, and we're working together to make our car more like his.

"We didn't have a chance to do any drafting together, but we'll have our chance in the Gatorade 125s. I think there's a lot I can learn from Bill - he's always been great on the superspeedways.

On Making a Splash with the Dew Crew

"We have the youngest team in Winston Cup and we're really working together to get better. The guys on the "Dew Crew" tell me they've been practicing hard on their pit stops. They say they are really fast and that they're going to help me gain spots. I say we're the team of the future - we're working to win championships.

On Being Forecast as Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated

"It's great to get this kind of attention before the season begins, but I've got a lot to prove. One of our goals is the Rookie of the Year title, but it's going to be tough. With guys like Ron Hornaday, Kurt Busch and Andy Huston, our Dodge team going to have to work hard. We want to go out and get experience with the team and be the best we can be. But Rookie of the Year isn't our only objective. We want to win."

Dodge Then and Now

In January 1964, Dodge was putting the final touches on the 426 Hemi race engine for its debut at the 1964 Daytona 500. Paul Goldsmith, in his Plymouth Belvedere, was one of the first drivers to qualify with a Hemi at just over 174 miles per hour, shattering the old record by more than 14 miles per hour. Richard Petty, also powered by a Hemi, qualified second for the Great American Race. When the checkered flag fell, Petty had lapped the entire field. Four of the top five finishers that day were Dodge and Plymouth drivers powered by the 426 Hemi.

Text Provided By Debby Robinson

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