CONCORD, NC. (May 27, 2003) – The Coca-Cola 600 was shortened to just 276 laps after a torrential downpour halted race action shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday evening. National Guard driver Todd Bodine was sitting in 23rd position when the race was red-flagged and was ready to climb back into the car when the rain stopped. Unfortunately, NASCAR declared the race over since they determined it would take three hours to dry the track.

“I’m disappointed,” said Bodine who started the Coca-Cola 600 in 16th place. “Our car was dialed in for night racing and we were just starting to make our move to the front when the weather decided to kick into action. We were hoping the rain would hold off for another 50 laps to put us in good shape. It just didn’t work out the way we were hoping.”

From the get go, the National Guard car was running on the tight side. However, it was expected since the car would start loosening up through the corners as soon as the sun went down. Opportunities to make changes on the No. 54 machine occurred during laps 56, 104, 108, 129, 201, 224, 242, and 266. A series of track bar and air pressure adjustments were completed along with taking on fuel and bolting on four fresh tires. The Guard pit crew was on target each time delivering stops equaling 15-seconds or less. 

“The pit crew really did an excellent job for us,” said Bodine. “It was their best performance of the season. They have been working hard at getting better and it looks as if their hard work is paying off.”

Continued the National Guard driver, “I really think we could have come out of Charlotte with at least a top 15 if we hadn’t run out of time. That’s just the way it goes. I’m not going to complain because quite a few cars were running into problems near the end and we were getting better. We’ll take another top 25 and build upon it. Our performances are getting better and better. It’s got me pretty excited about going to Dover.”
 

To Read More About Sunday’s Events: 
http://www.nascar.com/2003/news/headlines/wc/05/25/bc.na.spt.car..nascar.coca.cola.ap/index.html

http://www.nascar.com/2003/news/headlines/wc/05/25/stopped_soon/index.html

Race Results   Driver Standings
 

By: Traci Hultzapple
Senior Account Manager – BelCar Racing - No. 54 National Guard Taurus
Cox Marketing Group / Mooresville, NC  28117