Tony Raines Sears Point Preview

For More Information Contact: Al Larsen Cohn & Wolfe (404) 880-5267 Sears Point Offers Big Challenge for Raines Racing on road courses is not new to Pennzoil's Tony Raines. He has done it before, both as an American Speed Association (ASA) competitor, and twice earlier this year as a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie. But having experience and having a lot of experience are two different things, which is something Raines recognizes as he heads to Sears Point Raceway for the first time in his career to compete in Sunday's Kragen/Exide 151. Raines on... ...the challenge of Sears Point: "Going to a road course that I've never been to is one of the harder things about being a rookie. I think it takes a trip or two for you to really start to pick apart the track, find out where you're weak and then start improving those areas. Going there the first time, I'll be a little overwhelmed just trying to get the layout of the track and finding where to put the Pennzoil Dodge in each corner. Then, I'll go out and run a race, and when it's over, I'll be able to analyze what I did and say, `I was really good in turn one or I need to improve in turn two.'" "It's more difficult to go to a road course for the first time than it is an oval for the first time because there is just more to learn. Along with finding the right shift points, you also have to figure out the right line for each spot on the track. It just takes time. After a race or two out there, I think I'll be as good as anybody -- at least that's the plan." ...the demands of a road course: "It's kind of fun for the driver because you get to do your thing. But, it's tough for the crew. It's a lot of work and is really hard on equipment. But, it's something you need to do. If you can become a decent road racer, you will be a better overall driver." ...the importance of concentration on a road course: "You have to concentrate all the time. If you screw up, you'll run off the race track and that is generally considered to be a big disadvantage." ###