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    Steve Letarte talked about the Bud Shootout on Sirius XM this morning Archived Message

    Posted by magic8ball on 2/20/2012, 9:20 am

    Steve Letarte called into the Morning Drive today with Pete Pistone and Bob Pockrass filling in for Mike Bagley today. Steve joked that they are a man down today since Mike blew his vocal cords Saturday night calling the race. Pete said it must have been a good race. Steve said he thinks it was.

    Pete asked how week one has been. Steve said so far, so good. Unfortunately, they got torn up Saturday night. The 88 was fast and they lead a bunch of laps. It was fun to watch and be a part of. It was a fast pack. You could run by yourself and didn’t need a teammate. You could make whatever you need happen towards the end of the race. It was a great race to be a part of.

    Bob said he talked to Jr after the race and said Jr was so excited and pumped up not like last July when he talked to him when he complained about the tandem racing and how he didn’t like it. Steve said the most important thing is that we are back to racing how we love it. He applauded Nascar for bringing it back. There was a little 2 car tandem. One car would get a run and go by the others. He doesn’t like to see equipment torn up but that is the way Daytona and Dega are. Exciting race for all 75 laps.

    Pete asked if the blame goes to the drivers for the wrecks. Steve said you can’t have a big pack of cars running 200 mph and not see crashes. There is not enough patience. They tear up more cars at the All Star race and Shootout races just because there are no points on the line. You build a car knowing it might not come home. Steve said it is speedway racing at its finest. Nascar broke up the 2 car tandem. Steve said that Harvick said it best – there are 2 pedals in each car.

    Bob asked how Dale’s water temps were in the car. Steve said you have to be aware of them. Couple times you have to manage your temps. Same for everyone. It was fun and it was a race he enjoyed calling and Dale enjoyed racing.

    Pete asked if we will see any tweeks before the 500. Steve said if they do, you will go back to tandem racing. They have done a tremendous amount of work to break up the tandem racing. Speeds are up but that is part of it. He will worry about the 88. There might be some negatives to changing the plate size. The goal was accomplished to break up the tandem racing. Steve said during the GWC, he learned a lot those last 2 laps.

    Bob asked if Steve is thinking about the races beyond the 500 or just the 500 right now. Steve said right now, he is working in the shop and he sees one 88 Phoenix car in shop, other 88 Phoenix car is in Orlando as they will be testing at Disney tomorrow. The Vegas 88 cars is getting painted. As important as the 500 is, they would love to win it but the other races are just as important. Have to be prepared with a wide variety of cars.

    Pete said if he gets the 200 with for Mr. H. Steve said it would be story book finish for the 88 to get the 200th win for Mr. H. Steve said you could write books about this. Nothing would make him prouder to get that win for Mr. H.

    Bob asked with what has been going on with the 48 car, does he distance himself from it or pay attention to it. Steve said it is a fine line. He has to worry about the 88 car. They try to help the 48 but they are focused on the 88. Steve very proud of the 88’s qualifying effort yesterday. Dale and him were fortunate last year to be on the pole but very proud of the effort this year too. Steve said he didn’t sleep very well last night. A lot on his mind. He said the guys at HMS did a great job building great cars for Daytona. Steve said they won’t run a whole lot on Wednesday during practice. They will definitely try to win the 150 on Thursday.

    Pete asked what the strategy is for the 500. Steve said the goal is the checkered flag. He has had the opportunity to work with 2 of the best drafters in the business with both Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr. They have a great backup car just in case. They will give Dale the opportunity to run in the best car for the 500. The goal is to win it. They have great fans and great sponsors. That is what it is all about Steve said.

    Pete gave congrats with the 3rd fastest qualifying time yesterday. Steve hopes to squeeze Mike and Pete into all the other Daytona 500 winning events and experiences next Monday. Pete said he hopes Steve does.




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