No. 18 RoadLoans Dodge Chase Montgomery Atlanta Preview
10-26-2005 | Richmond International Raceway
Atlanta Preview: “I love racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is a lot of fun for a driver because the track gives you so many options. It is a very fast multiple-groove race track that allows us room to pass and race side-by-side. It is not uncommon to race side-by-side or three-wide the entire race. I will guarantee you it will be an exciting finish. I was watching television the other day and a commercial for the track came on. They showed the last lap pass Bobby (Hamilton) made on Mike (Skinner) more than a year ago and I still go chill bumps thinking how close it was. In March we backed it up with another exciting finish. You cannot go to every track and guarantee a good finish before the race starts, but Atlanta you can. The speeds are lighting fast, but you still very much in control behind the wheel. It is a racer’s track and one I am ready to conquer. In March we battled a loose truck, but I think we have that worked out now. We are taking a different chassis and I think we will be fast off the trailer.”
Motivation is Key: “I get asked what motivates me as a driver a lot. It is a hard question for me to answer because I am not sure what motivates me the most. I tend to be a quiet person so I am not motivated by loud music and stuff like that. I think there are two types of motivation for me. There is motivation to be a better person and then there is motivation to be a better driver. I think the bottom line is I want to be successful at whatever I do. No matter what I may do in the future I want to do it to the best of my ability. Before a race I have a routine I go through. I like everything to be as calm as it can be. I prefer to grab a bite to eat and just relax before I have to climb into my truck and race for 200 laps. My spotter does a great job of getting me pumped up right before the green flag, but until then I don’t want anything but peace and quiet. A lot of drivers have elaborate pre-race rituals, but mine are pretty simple. ”
Event: EasyCare 200 (130 laps) Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.54-Mile Oval) Qualifying: October 29th 11:30 AM EDT Race Start: October 29th 3:15 PM EDT Live on Speed
Notes: • The EasyCare 200 will be Montgomery’s 48th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start. • Montgomery is piloting Angel this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. • Montgomery will once again carry the RoadLoans sponsorship on the No. 18 Dodge. • The Tennessee native will be making his sixth career start at the 1.54-Mile Oval Saturday. He competed in last year’s NCTS event and finished 23rd. In March Montgomery battled a loose truck resulting in a 26th place finish. He started the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series race there and finished 31st due to engine failure. He also made two ARCA Re/Max Series starts at the track in 2002 and 2003. • Montgomery’s best finish of the season came at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May coming home in the 13th position.
Multi-Teams Sure Do Help: “I feel very fortunate to be a part of a multi-truck organization. This weekend the series heads to Atlanta and I feel we are one step ahead because my teammates Timothy (Peters) and Bobby (Hamilton) both tested there a couple weeks ago. My team went to Texas and tested so next week when we go there we will return the favor. Bobby does a great job of making sure everyone shares information. Although I was not physically at Atlanta testing I know any knowledge they learned will benefit the No. 18 team on the track. I think it was smart how Bobby made the decision to save out test dates for the final five races. With NASCAR restricting our testing schedule next year BHR was able to hit the tracks we needed to gain information on so we are prepared for whatever decision they bring to us. Heading into this weekend at Atlanta is truly a team effort.”
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