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Chat Reel: Bobby Hamilton
Driver ready to tackle Daytona
Posted: Wednesday February 14, 2001 2:10 PM
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Bobby Hamilton drives the No. 55 Square D Chevrolet for Andy Petree Racing. Jamie Squire/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's Daytona 500 chat with Bobby Hamilton. Welcome Bobby. We hope you are enjoying Daytona.
Bobby Hamilton: Well, it's been pretty nice. We've had some bad weather. It's been foggy. The sun is out and burned off the fog. We're hoping for nice weather when the fans roll in.
From malbonn: Bobby, how was practice today?
Bobby Hamilton: It was OK. This was the first time that we had a nice, sunny day. The track was slick and everybody had to go to work on the chassis and we're happy with our car. We've put the race motor in it for Thursday -- thinking of making some small changes.
From Larry in Columbus, Ohio: Hi Bobby, my son and I are big fans of yours. I admire the positive outlook and spirit you maintained during some rough times last year. You're an excellent role model. Will you be driving any differently this year now that you have a teammate out on the track? Good luck!
Bobby Hamilton: Thanks. We'll have to be somewhat different, but Joe and I communicate real well. It's just like the 500 in the qualifying races. If we end up running together, we'll help one another. We'll try our hardest to work together in drafting. If we can't, we can't.
From Nascar24_25: I hope you have a great season this year with your new team. What are you and your team shooting for to finish in points this season?
Bobby Hamilton: I think a realistic goal would to be finish in the top 15 in points I don't see why that can't happen. We have everything it takes. The last two elements would be the crew chief and the driver working together.
From Mark Lengel in Bonn, Germany: Hello Bobby, so far in practice it looks like you have a very competitive car. Do you think you have a better shot at winning the 500 than in previous years?
Bobby Hamilton: Yes. (laughs)
From malbonn: It looks like you are going to be very competitive for the 500. Are you surprised at such early success with APR?
Bobby Hamilton: No, I am not surprised. I am impressed. Andy has a great background of leadership and I think he's done a great job putting the deal together. I've just been impressed more than anything.
From AP45forever: Bobby, I was just wondering how Bobby Jr's racing is coming along, and when can we expect to see him in Winston Cup full time?
Bobby Hamilton: He had an opportunity to be Sterling's team this year. He didn't want to do it. He has Dr. Pepper as a sponsor this year. He just didn't want to do it. We'll let him make that decision.
From malbonn: Were you still at the top of the speed charts?
Bobby Hamilton: I don't even know yet, it hasn't been put out.
From AP45forever: Bobby, would you ever consider driving the Dodge?
Bobby Hamilton: Well, that crosses your mind. I've always had a great relationship with Chevy. You never know what the future holds. But I have a good relationship with Chevrolet.
From malbonn: What will it take for you to win the 500 on Sunday?
Bobby Hamilton: Good luck and dodge the big wreck.
From Bobby in Morganton, N.C.: As a driver for both Petty and McClure, what was the most important thing you learned from the two of them that you have carried forward with you, that helps you with the Petree, Elledge team today?
Bobby Hamilton: It's really nothing mechanical, it's people skills more than anything else. I think it's 60 percent handling people, so if I learned anything from them it would be how to handle your people.
From Nascar24_25: I was just wondering, from a driver's standpoint, who is your pick to win the Winston Cup this year?
Bobby Hamilton: It'll be between Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt again.
From AP45forever: Bobby, how does Darrell Waltrip retiring affect NASCAR as a whole? We all know he was a great person to be around.
Bobby Hamilton: He was one of the best people you could be around. As far as how it affected NASCAR, if he had quit and walked off it would have been bad, but to be in the booth and commenting he's going to be the same old Darrell and add a lot to the sport. I'm saying what we lost in his driving will be gained back in his commentating with all his knowledge.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Bobby Hamilton. Bobby, thanks for joining us and good luck this week.
Bobby Hamilton: Thank you.
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