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Chat Reel: Ricky Craven
"This is best I've felt since the beginning of 1997."
Posted: Monday February 12, 2001 6:04 PM
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Ricky Craven drives the No. 32 Tide car for PPI Motorsports. Jamie Squire/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NASCAR chat with Ricky Craven. Thank you for joining us!
Ricky Craven: I'm glad to be here. We are having an exciting week and I'm looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
From orcutt@midmaine.com in Passadumkeag, Maine: How is your car feeling in the draft, and what sorts of things will you work on in practice as the week progresses?
Ricky Craven: Well, we ran 50 laps this morning in the draft -- three separate runs. The car ran strong. We'll change spring packages in the next couple of days to try and settle for a perfect setup for Thursday.
From MilerTime2: There's a big time difference in your practice sessions from Friday and Saturday. Where did you find all that extra speed?
Ricky Craven: Actually, I think we ran faster Friday in practice than we did Saturday in practice. We expected our first and only run on Saturday to be a bit slow because the weather had changed. And our qualifying lap was in fact our fastest of the week, which is a compliment to the guys on the team.
From Stephen: With your past experience at Rockingham, do you think you will do well there after Daytona?
Ricky Craven: I'm looking forward to Rockingham but also looking forward to Vegas. We test both tracks in the offseason. Our Vegas tests were encouraging. The first four races are what we are focused on to give us a strong start.
From rcfan82: Are you looking forward to the three-wide racing in the 500 on Sunday? Should that happen like it did at Talladega?
Ricky Craven: I can't say I'm looking forward to it but we are prepared for it because that is what these new rules are going to give us.
From Alan: You must be practically giddy to have a sponsor like Tide. How does it feel to be representing such an icon in racing sponsorship?
Ricky Craven: This is best I've felt since the beginning of 1997. I am extremely optimistic, proud to represent Tide and lucky to have such a dedicated team.
From Valdosta: Ricky, judging from your past experiences in Winston Cup, where do you expect this year will lend a different set of results?
Ricky Craven: I haven't raced full-time since 1997. In 1997 we had positioned ourselves to win on a number of occasions. That is what I expect this season -- for us to get stronger as a team and to win.
From toka: Mr. Craven, what do you think about Dodge's re-entrance into NASCAR?
Ricky Craven: I think it's nice. It gives a little more flavor to the NASCAR image -- the NASCAR look. I know it gives some of the die-hard MOPAR fans something to cheer for.
From a guest in Bloomington, Ind.: I have followed you for a long time Ricky. My question is do you think that now that you are in a car that has a history of doing well and under a good owner, is this the year for you to break out?
Ricky Craven: I believe it's a wonderful opportunity. And we all will work real hard to take advantage. I have a crew chief, Mike Beam, and team members who will stop at nothing and an owner who has given us a lot of resources. It's really going to be fun.
From rcfan82: Do you have any hometown appearances scheduled? I live in Hampden, Maine.
Ricky Craven: The racing schedule won't allow a trip back to Maine until the first week off, and we are looking forward to a few visits in the spring.
From Alan: How much does Cal Wells participate in the details of the cars performance and adjustments during testing/practice?
Ricky Craven: Cal is very involved with the race team. And he can be seen at the shop and racetrack daily. However, he lets the people he hired to do their jobs and he supports us.
From JoshM: Hey Ricky, what are your hobbies off the track?
Ricky Craven: Well, snowmobiling, ATV's, I enjoy the outdoors. We have a home in the northern part of Maine in the mountains. We spend our spare time there. I enjoy the extra time I spend with my kids. We have a little boy and a little girl.
From Dr_John_Carter: Ricky how well do you think you will do in this upcoming NASCAR season, and what do you think Dodge's impact will be?
Ricky Craven: Our expectations are very high. The people on this team are very competitive. We have the ability to do some great things. The Dodges have shown some very interesting potential. I think it will be a very exciting year in NASCAR.
From Kevin in Pembroke, N.H.: First, congratulations on this excellent opportunity with PPI Motorsports! Have you set any personal goals for this season? Also, do you find it strange that last year you had to change your Busch car from No. 23 to No. 32 and now you find yourself driving the No. 32 Winston Cup car? Thanks!
Ricky Craven: I think there is something to that 32. We believe that we can contend for wins this year. We are very competitive and have a great sponsor. I couldn't imagine representing a better company. Our expectations our high, and things have to work for us but I believe we can win. New Hampshire is one place I look forward to.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Ricky Craven. Thank you for joining us and good luck this weekend!
Ricky Craven: Thank you everyone for joining us. Hope you enjoy speed week 2001. I want to thank CNNSI.com for having me.
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