BUSCH: Tim Fedewa Talladega Preview

TOOLMAN TIM FEDEWA LEADING THE TRAIN AT TALLADEGA

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-Tim Fedewa, driver of the No. 36 Stanley car, is eyeing the conductor’s position as the train of cars known as the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division returns to Talladega Superspeedway. Fedewa has experienced the good and bad of Talladega Superspeedway. In his first two outings at the track in 1993 and 1994, Fedewa started in the top 10 and completed all but one lap. In 1997 he collected a top-five finish, but in 1998 he completed only 71 of 113 laps due to an overheating problem. Fedewa is returning with a vengeance for the white-knuckle track with no fear. He feels 1999 is the year for him to lead the train. “I like the restrictor plate races,” Fedewa said. “The speed is incredible and your car can struggle a little on handling and still be strong. What you need at Talladega is a strong engine and a strong body. I am confident that with the car that Charlie (Brunnhoelzl) has put together for me for Talladega, we are going to be fast. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and try it out.” Fedewa will be sporting a brand new car from the Cicci-Welliver shop in Concord, N.C. Charlie Brunnhoelzl, head of the fabrication department for Cicci-Welliver Racing, has built a car exclusively for Fedewa and Talladega. Brunnhoelzl has an excellent history with superspeedway cars. Before moving to Cicci-Welliver Racing, he built the car that sat on the pole in 1995 at Talladega Superspeedway as well as the car that sat on the pole in 1999 at Daytona International Speedway. All three of the Cicci-Welliver machines for Daytona International Speedway this spring were designed by Brunnhoelzl and all three qualified in the top 18, including a third- and seventh-place position. What makes Brunnhoelzl an expert at what he does? “It is refined detail and experience,” said Brunnhoelzl. “The car has to be built with real fine detail as far as aerodynamics and slickness. You have to achieve good balance and low drag numbers so the wind doesn’t push the car in reverse as its trying to go forward.” This is the first year that Fedewa and Brunnhoelzl will team up together. Between the proven driving ability of Fedewa and the proven design ability of Brunnhoelzl, the team will prove to be unstoppable at Talladega. “Tim is a great guy and great driver,” said Brunnhoelzl. “He is a down-to-earth type person. Communication is key in this deal and Tim (Fedewa) talks to me so that I can understand him. I know what he is saying and know what he is looking for. It is real enjoyable working with him, I didn’t really know him before this year and we have clicked right off.” As the Busch Series train leaves the station on Saturday, April 24, the No. 36 Stanley car driven by Tim Fedewa is sure to be at the front.