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NASCAR WCUP: Park's New Hampshire Homecoming Respectable, But Not Like Hoped

21 September 1999

Steve Park didn't have the kind of homecoming race he hoped for Sunday at
New Hampshire International Speedway, but the second-year driver's
15th-place finish was enough to continue the momentum he and his Dale
Earnhardt Inc. teammates have been developing since mid-season.

"Today was disappointing because we thought we could finish as high as we
were running early in the race," said Park. "We were in the top ten most of
the race. Then it all just went away. But there is something to be said for
finishing and staying in the points race."

Park remained in 21st points in the Winston Cup point standings.

Park might never admit it, but if he could pick a track on the Winston Cup
Circuit where he would most like to earn his first career Winston Cup
victory New Hampshire would surely rank high on the list. He is the only
driver to participate in the Winston Cup, Busch South, Busch North,
Modified, and Craftsman truck races at the track.

"I've always said that if it wasn't for this track I wouldn't be where I am
at today, so winning here is a goal. Winning anywhere is a goal but this
would be a little extra special," said the former resident of nearby
Ellington, Conn. 

Sunday's race began with Park trading paint with the leaders. He quickly
moved from his eleventh starting spot to seventh place. His lap times were
as quick as the leaders.

"This race is going to come to you so keep doing what you are doing," said
Paul Andrews throughout the early going of the 300-lap race on the mile
track.

Park's problems started when some of the cars began doing two tire stops
while the Pennzoil Monte Carlo preferred four tires hoping for the advantage
on the long green flag runs. Despite having four tires, the slight handling
problems that developed midway through the race made passing the lap traffic
difficult.

As the race progressed, Park drifted further down the field. The long green
flags he was hoping for didn't materialize at the end of the race and Park
finished in 15th place.

"We just couldn't get the car to handle from the midpoint on," Park said.
"It's frustrating but that is a tough track."

Joe Nemechek earned his first career victory on Sunday. Sunday was the
second consecutive week a driver has earned his first career victory. Tony
Stewart who finished second to Nemechek on Sunday posted his first career
victory at Richmond last Saturday. 

Park and his teammates hope to add to that streak when they return to action
this weekend at Dover, Del.

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