This Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is the last race before the 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship field is set.
Kurt Busch secured his spot in the Chase field when he won the STP 500 at Martinsville back in March. As a result, Richmond won’t be the pressure-filled, high-stakes race that it could be. That leaves one plan for Saturday night. Win. How does Busch plan to do that? Read on.
Q: How do you feel heading into this weekend knowing that you’re already locked into the 2014 Chase lineup?
A: “It’s always a good feeling when you go into the cutoff race locked in, or if all you’ve got to do is start the engine and take the green flag, or finish 42nd or better. For us, it’s a race to pat ourselves on the back. If we’ve got our Haas Automation Chevrolet dialed in, we’re going to give it all we’ve got and go for the win.”
Q: What are your thoughts on racing at Richmond?
A: “You know, this has always been a tough place for me. Even with the win there, I still just find it to be one of the more difficult tracks to get a handle on. It’s a short track but it’s pretty unique because, other than the fact that it’s less than a mile in length, it really doesn’t compare to a Martinsville or Phoenix. The last few times we’ve been there, though, the bottom is the place to be. Aside from it being the shortest way around the track, you can get more aggressive in the bottom lane and, if you have to, you can move people to advance your position.”
And here are a few ‘just-for-fun’ questions to top it off!
Q: How do you prepare for a race? Do you have any certain rituals or routines?
A: “I eat a turkey sandwich before each race. It’s good to get some carbs in. Patricia’s pasta is always a hit, too.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a NASCAR driver?
A: “The speed is probably the most fun. I get to drive up to 200 miles per hour, and drive down in to the corners of the track and hit the high backs. It’s a wild ride!”
