NASCAR WCUP: Eel River Racing and Kenny Wallace Ready to Tackle Daytona

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C., --Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines determined as "fixed authoritatively on a goal".

Going into the 2001 Daytona 500, Kenny Wallace is determined to succeed because of the pressure he faces when he hits the track in the No. 27 Eel River Racing Pontiac.

"There’s pressure anytime I show up at a racetrack," said Wallace. "There’s pressure to perform, so pressure is nothing new in my lifestyle. I deal with it every day."

This year the pressure is a little more intense as the Wallace and the Eel River Racing team head to Daytona without a primary sponsor.

"I’m concerned about not having a sponsor, but I can tell you my total focus is going to Daytona and performing," continued Wallace. "I know that if I perform the rest will come. I have to take care of business first and the race car always comes first."

Judging from pre-season practice times at Daytona, Wallace is keeping his focus right where he plans to. The team posted times in the top-ten during the two-day test and was happy with what they found.

"Anytime you go testing and test well you feel like you’re going to be better when you get back to that track," said Wallace. "That’s a good motivator. I know when we get back to Daytona teams like Yates and Penske will be loaded with their best equipment. But so will we. We’re obviously going to go faster once we hit the track but you still keep fingers crossed until after qualifying and the 125s. Our main goal is to qualify and do our best in the race."

Text Provided By Heather Buckelew

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