November 6, 2003

Hamilton Discusses Miami Testing

Miami Testing: “The very first configuration of the track, when Miami was shaped like Indianapolis, didn’t work very well. The last configuration wasn’t bad, but there just wasn’t a real good groove there. People started driving on the apron during the race. Now they’ve added banking in this track, and all the race fans owe it to themselves to go there. The corners are long, a lot like Atlanta, it just doesn’t the tri-oval. From what Goodyear said when the Winston Cup guys have been there tire testing on the new banks, it will be a great race. All the race tracks need multi-groove racing. That is what this race track has done with the addition of the progressive banking. The trucks are looking at speeds in the lower 180 marks, which are pretty fast for us on a regular round track.”

Is It Already Over: “This year has been a little bit of a roller coaster for me. I’m a little irritated with our performances, but everyone knows that. I’m a real competitive person. I drive for myself, so I don’t have to worry about anyone firing me. I expect more and I’m going to get more until we figure it out. So the winter is going to be a big building process for us and we’ve started it in last three or four weeks. I’ve been sitting down and taking notes. I’ve been talking to what I call the management about some changes next year, so I’m getting excited about 2004. We tested in Atlanta after Phoenix with a 2004 truck and it gives me a better view of what we are up against. I think next year is going to be a championship year for BHR.”

Turning the Corner: “Our 100th top 10 in Phoenix was great for BHR. I’m real proud of my guys. I’ve been on them pretty hard lately and we all know how that can be. They’ve worked hard the last several weeks and the truck we’ve been racing with has been real good to us. The guys have been cutting stuff up and moving clips and I’ve been right there with them the whole time. It’s important to get moving right off the bat in 2004, so I’ve got my nose stuck right there in the middle of it. We haven’t won again with this truck, but its lead races and finished strong each time. We’ll be back.”

Notes:

· Scarface is once again the chosen truck for the final race on the newly renovated surface in Homestead. Hamilton has raced it 11 times this year, with his best finishes being third (Indianapolis, Loudon).

Points Championship Prediction: “I predict Ted Musgrave has a great shot at winning this championship in Miami. It will be well deserved. Jim Smith has been doing this a long time. He’s been in this business since the very first truck race and never won a championship. It would be big for Dodge and Jim if they pull it off. Either way Dodge has a great shot at the championship. Brendan (Gaughan) has had a strong year and worked his way up to the first position. The biggest thing we have to look at here, is no team has run off with this championship all year. It just goes to show fans how tight the competition is in the Craftsman Truck Series. This season has seen changes among several drivers, close-knit racing and ups and downs. That is what gives fans a chance to have something to pull for in a series.”