BUSCH: Mexico City: Clint Bowyer preview

It's All New for Bowyer South of the Border

Huntersville, N.C. (March 1, 2005) -- Clint Bowyer and Team ACDelco have every reason to be excited about the inaugural Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 presented by Banamex race that lies ahead at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez in Mexico City, Mexico on Sunday, March 6th. Not only do they get to be a part of history by competing in the first NASCAR Busch Series point's race held outside of the United States, but they are also coming off a fourth place finish last weekend at California Speedway and have three solid test sessions to rely heavily on when it comes to road course racing.

"I think it's pretty cool that we are getting this opportunity," comments Bowyer. "It's a huge market and I am glad to be a part of it. NASCAR is just beginning to hit the tip of the iceberg as far as the international fan base is concerned and I think this race is a huge step in helping that direction. We have been given the heads up in a good and positive way about how fans over there are going to react to us. It is going to be neat to see how they embrace our sport."

Bowyer's recent top-five finish allowed Team ACDelco to jump from 12th to fourth in the 2005 NBS championship driver point standings. "I think that was just what we needed," explains Bowyer. "We rebounded well from Daytona and proved again that we are capable of running towards the front. After running good all day in Daytona and then not getting the finish we expected, it sure was nice to get that top-five finish last weekend. It gives us a big boost for the upcoming races and especially this one in Mexico."

Richard Childress Nextel Cup Series driver Jeff Burton's test at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez 2.518-mile road course over the off-season as well as Bowyer's visit to the Bondurant Driving School in Phoenix, Ariz., and the Virginia International Raceway road course in Alton, Va., has prepared him well for the 80-lap event.

"Obviously, Burton going there to test has been a plus for us," adds Bowyer. "Just talking to him and getting pointers, from what gear to be in to where to be at on the track in certain corners, has been nice. NASCAR and both of our teams were able to get a lot of great information from that test that should benefit everybody."

No. 2 ACDelco driver Clint Bowyer on the first NBS points race to take place outside the United States...

How was your experience at the Bondurant Driving School? What did you walk away with learning the most?

"It was a great experience for me. I have never raced on a road course, so I learned quite a bit. We had on-track learning time and classroom structured teaching as well. The biggest thing I walked away with learning the most was probably the timing aspect and getting used to turning right. It feels a little weird to have to turn a direction you are not used to turning especially in quick, high speed corners."

Did you learn anything new from your most recent test at Virginia Int'l Raceway compared to the test at the Bondurant School?

"Absolutely. I am glad we went to VIR. It has definitely prepared me even more for what Mexico will have in store. Just getting more seat time on a road course is a huge advantage for me, especially since I have never raced on one before. I also felt a lot more comfortable with my timing and braking than I did at the Bondurant School."

What is the hardest part about going from a circle/oval track to a road course?

"I don't know just yet, but when we tested the braking and down shifting was the hardest part to get used to. You have to break and shift so quickly and your timing has to be just right. It is definitely going to be an exciting experience."

These first four races are heavy considering the travel schedule. Is it tough to balance such a demanding schedule right off the bat both mentally and physically?

"It is tough, but we are running really well right now and when you have some good momentum it helps to steer away from the stresses of heavy travel. I don't think any of us can wait for the next race. I know I can't."

Points of Interest...

* Runnin' It... Team ACDelco will take chassis No. 035 this weekend to Mexico City, Mexico. This chassis just brought home the team's first top-five finish last weekend at California Speedway.

* ACDelco: Road Course Warriors... ACDelco picks up where Bowyer lacks in road course experience. Since 1997, the ACDelco car has one win, three top-five and five top-10 finishes on a road course. Watkins Glen International was the place and the drivers that helped compile those stats were Steve Park, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kevin Harvick.

* Se Hablo Espanol?...The TV Panel that reads "Real Car Guys Know" will have the Spanish translation "Exige solo ACDelco and "Automotive Parts" that sits under the ACDelco logo on the hood will read "Refacciones Para Autos."

* Start time...for Sunday's Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 presented by Banamex is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. EST. TV coverage of the 80-lap event on FOX begins at 3:00 p.m. with live radio coverage beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST on your local MRN affiliate as well as on XM Satellite Radio -- channel 144. Remember times and dates of the race may change so check your local listings.

-rcr-