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Wednesday, March 7
Rookie Atwood covers the issues
Rookie Casey Atwood, driver of Evernham Motorsports' No. 19 Dodge Dealers Dodge, talks about a variety of issues in this Q&A.
How do you prepare for each week at the track?
|  | | Casey Atwood talks to his crew chief, Patrick Donahue, in the garage area. |
Well, for the fast four weeks we've worked every day. We test on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, travel on Thursday and race on the weekend. There really hasn't been a lot of down time. This week, I got back from Vegas late Sunday night, I was at home catching up on Monday and Tuesday, we go to Kentucky Speedway to test on Thursday and Atlanta to race on Friday.
It's kind of stressful with that schedule. I like to go home to Nashville and relax for a few days between races. It's kind of nice to sit at home after everything that goes on during the weekend. I enjoy being at home.
While I'm off, which is rare these days, I like to play the new NASCAR IV, and I like to go to the mall and shop. I don't have much time to go out, and since I'm only in town early in the week, there's not much going on. If I were in town in the weekend it'd be different.
What's it like to be a rookie on the Winston Cup circuit?
It hasn't been that bad. I kind of learned the routine on the Busch circuit. I'm working hard to earn the respect from the guys out there, that they can run with me and I'm not going to do anything stupid. You have that stripe on the back and everyone sees you, but I want them to know I'm not going to do anything stupid.
What's it like to be part of the Dodge program, especially when veterans are looking for sponsorship?
It's been great being a part of the Dodge program. It's a strong program with great people. It's important for me as a rookie. I've got Ray and Bill to help me out. I'm very lucky.
How is it dealing with the fans?
It hasn't been that different dealing with the fans -- I'm sort of used to it from the Busch Series. NASCAR is the only sport where the fans can come down and see you and talk to you and get your autograph. No other sport is like that. That's why NASCAR is the fastest growing sport. It does make a difference knowing that there are fans cheering for you. You want to do good for them.
Is the Winston Cup circuit and its 38-race schedule draining or exhilarating?
It's both. You go so much. I just got a motor home to go to most of the races, and that makes a big difference. It's like a second home. You go back and it's familiar, instead of a hotel room. And, we've already been to some cool cities. I like Daytona and Miami, because of the beaches. And Las Vegas, because it's like nothing I've been around. The lights, the entertainment, the nightlife. Too bad I couldn't enjoy it this year, since I'm only 20, but next year, watch out.
How does the being a driver in the Winston Cup circuit help you get the girls?
I hear that I'm getting more and more fan mail from the girls, but it hasn't helped me yet. But, so far I haven't tried.
What's your week like every week?
It hasn't been bad, so far. I'm sort of used to the travel and the weekly racing from the Busch Series. You're gone half the week, so it's tough to have a normal life. I knew the attention would come running with a big deal like Dodge. It hasn't bothered me. I know that if I run really good or really bad I'm going to get some attention, so I'd like to run really good.
How do you train every week?
In the off season, I was running to build stamina. You don't have to be strong, you just gotta last in this sport. The trainer of our Dew Crew pit crew, Terra Flynn, has been working with the guys on the pit crew, but hasn't got on to me yet. He's a former Navy Seal, and if I don't do well in a race, he's probably going to be looking for me.
What's your outlook for Atlanta?
I'm getting more comfortable in the car. I ran Busch there and it's a pretty simple track. If your car's really fast, you have a good chance. We've been working really hard with the Dew Crew on our entrances and exits to pit road and how we work together. We've got to learn together, and we'll get better every race. We're doing better than expected, even though it's early. We've made every race, which has been our goal for the first four until we have some points, and we haven't finished out of the top 25. I want to win or run good for the guys. I want either Bill or me to give Ray his first win as a team owner.
Drivers, crew chiefs and car owners involved in Dodge's return to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 2001 will provide weekly features to ESPN.com throughout the season.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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