BUSCH: Mike McLaughlin hopes for a little Magic in Dover

DOVER, DE --- Back in the spring of 1995, Mike McLaughlin was still adapting to the NASCAR Busch Series after one full year on the circuit. The Waterloo, NY native knew he had the ability to win in the Busch Series, he just couldn't find his way to Victory Lane. McLaughlin and his team headed to Dover with one goal in mind, capture the checkered flag. Dover had formed a reputation with a number of drivers capturing their first wins on the 1-mile oval.

McLaughlin found his way to Victory Lane that day by holding off Mike Wallace in the last few laps. The win gave McLaughlin the confidence he needed and propelled the driver to a 3rd place finish in the season long points battle.

This season McLaughlin faces a similar challenge as he enters the MBNA Platinum 200. McLaughlin in his first year with Innovative Motorsports knows he has a team capable of winning, they just seem to be saddled with a run of bad luck. On seven occasions this year McLaughlin has been running inside the top-15 positions only to suffer trouble. Blown engines, accidents, blown tires, they have all led to trouble for McLaughlin this season.

McLaughlin enters into the MBNA Platinum 200 on Saturday looking for a win to turn around his 2000 racing season.

"We need to win, no doubt it would heal a few of our wounds from this racing season," McLaughlin said. "A victory has a way of making everyone forget the past and serves as a strong momentum builder for the entire racing program. A second Dover win would be awesome."

McLaughlin and the Goulds Pumps Racing Team will unload for practice on Friday morning at "The Monster Mile". With a little luck, maybe it will be the #48 Goulds Pumps Chevrolet sitting in Victory Lane on Saturday afternoon. If that happens, look out below, McLaughlin will be ready for one of his trademark leaps from the top of his car into the hands of an excited racing team.