June
23, 2006
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West Champion Duncan Praises David
Gilliland as Infineon Awaits
In the course of discussing this weekend’s race at Infineon Raceway,
Mike Duncan, the reigning champ of NASCAR’s Grand National Division,
Auto Zone West Series also wanted to touch on another subject as well.
Duncan had high praise for fellow West Series driver, David Gilliland
as Gilliland is enjoying the success of his monumental Busch series win
in Kentucky. Duncan stated simply, “That was huge. I’m very
happy for him, and I look forward to seeing him this weekend.”
Duncan went on to reinforce his statements made throughout his racing
career by saying, “These drivers on the west coast are just as capable
as any driver out there - if we get the right equipment and catch a few
breaks.”
On that note, Duncan is hoping for as many good breaks as one can
expect at Infineon Raceway, in the Blue Lizard Australian Sun Screen
200. Currently fourth in the point’s standings for the West
Series, Duncan is approaching the first summer race with the proverbial
‘cautious optimism’ by saying,” We’re hoping we can learn from our
practices . . . get closer and closer to our goals for the season . . .
complete every lap and finish ahead of the (full-schedule) drivers in
our series.” The Lucas Oil/Ron’s Rear Ends/Green Frog Roasting
Co.com Chevrolet will arrive in northern California Thursday afternoon,
and the preparations will begin immediately.
As it happens every year at Infineon, some of the NEXTEL Cup drivers
will be competing against the West Series ‘regulars’, and Duncan says
this year should be an especially competitive race. “It’s not
just the Cup guys that you have to worry about”, Duncan explains,
“There are some very good road course guys in our (West) series, and
they have as good a chance to win it as anyone. I just hope to
gain ground where we can, and to compete at the highest level that
we’re capable of.” Duncan then put the whole race into
perspective with a golfing analogy: “It’s kind of like a really
difficult par 3 hole – you’re happy to take your par and get out of
there!” The West Series champion is hoping to be par for the
(road) course.
The NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series Blue Lizard
Australian Suncream 200 race at Infineon Raceway will be televised live
to a national audience in high definition on HDNet and SPEED (enhanced
replay) July 6, 2:30 p.m. PT. Practice scheduled Friday, 8:10 to 9:20
a.m. & 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Qualifying at 2:30 p.m. PT (all
times are subject to change).
Source: Vance Palm
MB Duncan Motor Sports
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