Daytona 2 preview

Nichols Hopes Second Chance At Daytona Pays Off With Victory In DAYTONAUSA.COM 150

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (July 3, 2001) - Tim Nichols believes the DAYTONAUSA.COM 150 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series race on July 6 at Daytona International Speedway is a gift.

Nichols was one of the many drivers thrilled about getting a second crack at a victory at the "World Center of Racing" during the 2001 season.

"The DAYTONAUSA.COM 150 is like Merry Christmas in July," Nichols said.

Justin Hobgood, driver of the No. 65 Pontiac, captured the season-opening ACDelco 200 Presented By Discount Auto Parts at Daytona while Nichols, competing in his first race at Daytona, settle for a strong third-place finish.

He's hoping to put his No. 52 Old Milwaukee Pontiac fielded by Doc Brewer in Daytona's Victory Lane for the DAYTONAUSA.COM 150.

"I'm tickled about going back to Daytona," Nichols said. "We got a third-place finish in our first outing. When I first saw Daytona, it was overwhelming coming from the short tracks of Virginia. We got a lucky break and got up front. We found a bunch of horsepower since then and we're looking forward to going back down there.

"We covered up our Daytona car and it hasn't been touched. We're going to just drop a new powerplant in that thing and head that way. I really think we got a legitimate shot at running up front again and I love that race track. It's the most awesome race track that I've ever been on."

In addition to being hungry for his first Daytona victory, Nichols, a native of Cedar Bluff, Va., is geared up for night racing at the 2.5-mile tri-oval. He got a brief taste of what Daytona is like under the lights in February when the ACDelco 200 Presented By Discount Auto Parts started later in the day after Bud Pole qualifying for the Daytona 500.

"When we were running on caution, I was talking about what a beautiful sunset it was," Nichols said. "Living back in the hills, we don't get to see many sunsets. They kind of disappear behind the mountains. Daytona, it was a thrill for me and a chance of a lifetime.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Pepsi 400 weekend, which includes the DAYTONAUSA.COM 150, online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

-DIS-