The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR-BGN: Parsons Heads to Texas with Momentum on his Side

1 April 1998

FORT WORTH-- Momentum can be a funny thing in NASCAR racing. Drivers with momentum from a couple of solid races in a row seem to have a bounce in their step as they walk through the garage area. Drivers searching for momentum seem to have a look of worry on their faces, as if they hadn't slept in days. All those drivers are looking for is a solid run so they can get some sleep and begin to race with more confidence and a smile on their faces.

After an up-and-down start to the 1998 Busch Grand National season, Dura-Lube Chevrolet driver Phil Parsons is beginning to build some momentum. Following two straight solid finishes, a 13th place finish in Darlington and a 7th place finish in Bristol, Parsons can see the light at the end of the tunnel as he starts his climb back to the top of the Busch Grand National point standings.

Parsons started the season off on a good note in Daytona Beach as he drove the Dura-Lube Chevrolet to a 10th place finish. Back to back races with engine trouble ruined two strong races in a row before he was the victim of an accident not of his making in Nashville. Instead of lowering his head, Parsons kept his head up, knowing he had been in a position in every race to record at least a top-ten finish.

"I know that we have had great race cars all season, we just had a few things we had to correct and now it looks like this Dura-Lube team is back on track," Parsons said. "This team decided to put the disappointments in our rear-view mirror and look ahead to getting back to victory lane and recording a string of solid finishes."

Parsons feels like he has a chance to get to victory lane this weekend in the Coca-Cola 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. Last season, in the inaugural race at the 1.5 mile superspeedway, Parsons started 8th and finished 6th.

"We feel like our chances are real strong this weekend," Parsons said. "We are taking a real strong race car and we have a great set of notes from last year to work off of. This could be our week to visit victory lane in the Dura-Lube Chevrolet."

Keep an eye on Phil Parsons and the Dura-Lube racing team this weekend. After a few early season setbacks, things are starting to go their way. With the experience level of Parsons and momentum on his side, it may just be time for him to become the sixth different winner in six Busch Grand National races this season.