Victory Lane Would Be A “Big One” For Bowyer
CORNELIUS, N. C. – It’s a good thing Clint Bowyer likes to go fast because the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series travels to one of the fastest track on the circuit this weekend, Talladega Superspeedway.
That speed usually produces some of the most nail-biting, edge-of-your seat racing on the circuit, with drivers in tight packs going three and sometimes four wide at the 2.66-mile oval.
Bowyer has two wins, both coming in October (2011 and 2010) at the Alabama track. More than half of his finishes have resulted in top 10s (10 in 19 starts) and six of those starts included top-five runs, two of them coming in the last three races (April and October 2013).
Plate racing seems to suit the driver of the No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota. In 104 starts, he has 50 top-10 finishes, a feat not easily accomplished at these types of tracks, which typically produce high attrition rates due to multi-car accidents.
But Bowyer isn’t worried about the “Big One,” the term often used to describe these types of incidents. He does know that if he makes it to victory lane again, the celebration certainly will be a Big One.
What does it take to get a good finish at Talladega?
“Well luck sure as heck doesn’t hurt. You never know what can happen there. You can think you’re a in a good spot and the next minute you aren’t. There are so many things that can go wrong and when they do it’s usually big. And you don’t want to be the reason things go wrong. But it’s a fun place and any time you can have fun at a race track it usually means you have a good run.”
Describe racing at Talladega?
“Ha. It’s crazy that’s for sure. You have to be aware of what situation you’re in at all times. And being patient certainly helps. A lot of guys will try to make a move too early and pay for it. It’s a little bit like a chess match, making the right move at the right time. Having a good car helps like it always does but sometimes you don’t have to have the best car at Talladega, having the best car behind you can be just as good. That’s why you never know what’s going to happen there.
Are you going to be a part of the Big One on the Boulevard Friday night?
I’m planning on it. May have to work around watching my Royals play but yes. It’s become a fun event for the fans and that’s what it’s all about. The track has done a good job making it better for the fans each time.
TALLADEGA STATS
· Two wins – October 2011 and 2010
· Six top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in 19 starts
· Completed 3,195 of 3,610 laps (88.5%) and led 98 laps
· Average start 19.6 and average finish 15.3
· Three DNFs (did not finish) – April 2012, October and May 2006
