Tony Raines Homestead Report

Homestead, FL-The last stop of the NASCAR Busch Grand National 2001 season was made this past weekend at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. The driver of the Alka-Seltzer #33, Tony Raines, and the Bayer Consumer Care Racing crew were very excited about racing at this facility. "We came here and tested in September and took a lot of notes," crew chief Michael Kadlecik said. "Our test speeds were fast, and I think we got the car set up pretty good."

Raines qualified for Saturday's race in the 29^th position. "The track has changed since practice this morning," Raines said after qualifying. "The sun has come out, which changes the track conditions and the handling of the car. We were just loose, but I think we'll be okay for the race. We just have to start farther back then I would like."

After the green flag was flown at the start of the race on Saturday, Raines was moving very fast through the field and was in the 21^st position by lap 42. Raines radioed into the crew that the car was still somewhat loose, and had requested that the tire pressure be adjusted when he came in for his pit stop.

By lap 60, the race was caution free and crew chief, Michael Kadlecik, knew that the Alka-Seltzer Chevy Monte Carlo needed adjustments, fuel, and 4 new tires. Raines had moved up to the 18^th place when Kadlecik radioed him to come down pit road. The Bayer Consumer Care Racing crew had an outstanding performance in the pits, and was able to get Raines back into the race in the 16^th position.

Raines remained in the 16^th spot, but was passed by the leaders before the first caution came out on lap 110. Raines was still having a problem with the looseness of the car, but was able to pit under caution. The Bayer Consumer Care Racing team had yet another great performance in the pits and was able to send Raines back out in the race in the 16^th place after several adjustments to the car were made.

With the field so scattered, Raines practically ran by himself in the closing stages of the race. In the end, he finished in the 14^th spot and one lap down.

Tony Raines finished the season 6^th in the NASCAR Busch Grand National points standings.

The Bayer Consumer Care Racing team will enjoy the off season, but will also be busy getting prepared for the 2002 season, which kicks off February 16^th at the Daytona International Speedway.