WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — The NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying cloud appeared at the historic Glen road racing course Friday for the fifth time in the past eight years, and flushed away any chance of Ron Fellows’ attempt at an up-front start.
Driving this year for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the 01 Chevy normally driven by Regan Smith, the Mississauga, ON NASCAR ringer feels he has the equipment to perhaps finish what he calls, “unfinished business” after winning three Nationwide events and a pair of Craftsmen Truck battles. He’s finished second twice in the Glen Cuppers — 1999 behind four-time Glen winner Jeff Gordon and
again in 2004 when trailing Tony Stewart, after qualifying was rained out and he started 43rd.
Fresh from his stunning win in Dale Jr.’s Nationwide car at Montreal a week ago, Fellows is still reeling from that experience on the track named for his childhood racing hero, Circuit Giles Villenuve.
“When NASCAR told me they were going to race in Montreal, all I could think of, if I’m still around, is man I’d like to go racer there,” he said obviously still glowing. “To get a win there is very emotional for me.”
On the Nationwide side of the weekend, car owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the winning car. Fellows said that he “Shamelessly asked Dale for the Glen ride” but was turned down because of Jr.’s sponsorship committment.
“I’m okay with that (not driving in the Nationwide race),” he said. “The cars are so different so now I can totally concentrate on the Cup car.”
D.E.I. has enough owner’s points to start the Cup race on the 16th row (32nd), beside 2003 winner Robby Gordon.
Because of the entry list, Patrick Carpentier will also make his second Glen start in the 39th position driving the Ray Evernham, a ride the former open wheel expert acquired when finished second a year ago in the inagural Canadian Nationwide race.
“Ya, that’s what got me here,” said Carpentier, who also finished second behind Fellows this year. “Driving these cars in black and white from the Indy. It’s a lot of precision driving because there’s no down force and it’s hard to stop the cars.
“I’m looking for a top 10 this weekend,” asserted the dodge driver. Of course I want more ...”
Glen favourite Boris Said was skunk yet again for a spot in the Cup field because of rain. Although the wiry road racer will sub for Kyle Petty, flagging off beside Carpentier.
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Captions
01: Ron Fellows meets the press.
02: Patrick Carpentier takes a sip.
03: Canuck D.J.Kennington practices for the Nationwide race.
Driving this year for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the 01 Chevy normally driven by Regan Smith, the Mississauga, ON NASCAR ringer feels he has the equipment to perhaps finish what he calls, “unfinished business” after winning three Nationwide events and a pair of Craftsmen Truck battles. He’s finished second twice in the Glen Cuppers — 1999 behind four-time Glen winner Jeff Gordon and
again in 2004 when trailing Tony Stewart, after qualifying was rained out and he started 43rd.
Fresh from his stunning win in Dale Jr.’s Nationwide car at Montreal a week ago, Fellows is still reeling from that experience on the track named for his childhood racing hero, Circuit Giles Villenuve.
“When NASCAR told me they were going to race in Montreal, all I could think of, if I’m still around, is man I’d like to go racer there,” he said obviously still glowing. “To get a win there is very emotional for me.”
On the Nationwide side of the weekend, car owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the winning car. Fellows said that he “Shamelessly asked Dale for the Glen ride” but was turned down because of Jr.’s sponsorship committment.
“I’m okay with that (not driving in the Nationwide race),” he said. “The cars are so different so now I can totally concentrate on the Cup car.”
D.E.I. has enough owner’s points to start the Cup race on the 16th row (32nd), beside 2003 winner Robby Gordon.
Because of the entry list, Patrick Carpentier will also make his second Glen start in the 39th position driving the Ray Evernham, a ride the former open wheel expert acquired when finished second a year ago in the inagural Canadian Nationwide race.
“Ya, that’s what got me here,” said Carpentier, who also finished second behind Fellows this year. “Driving these cars in black and white from the Indy. It’s a lot of precision driving because there’s no down force and it’s hard to stop the cars.
“I’m looking for a top 10 this weekend,” asserted the dodge driver. Of course I want more ...”
Glen favourite Boris Said was skunk yet again for a spot in the Cup field because of rain. Although the wiry road racer will sub for Kyle Petty, flagging off beside Carpentier.
- 30 -
Captions
01: Ron Fellows meets the press.
02: Patrick Carpentier takes a sip.
03: Canuck D.J.Kennington practices for the Nationwide race.
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