Denny Hamlin
#20 Chevrolet
| Event: | Telcel-Motorola Mexico 200 | Date: | March 4, 2007 |
| Track: | Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez | TV: | ESPN/ESPN2 1:30 PM ET |
| Laps/Miles: | 300 / 159.9 | Radio: | MRN 1:00 PM ET |
Quotes
Driver Denny Hamlin on racing at Mexico City…
"Mexico City will always be a special race for me. Last year, I knew we had a good shot of winning it before we came down. We tested at VIR and the car was perfect. When we unloaded at Mexico, the car handled perfectly. I don’t think we made an adjustment all day. I always expected to win my first race on a short track, but to win a road course race with a great driver like Boris Said in your mirror is something I will never forget. Also, to be only the second driver to win a NASCAR points race outside the US is a great honor.
I really enjoy traveling to Mexico City. The track is great. It challenges the driver on every corner and with the removal of chicane you really are going to be smooth through the first corner. Restarts are definitely going to be interesting with people drag racing into that turn. The other great thing about the venue is the fans. They are extremely passionate about racing. We did a hospitality appearance last year for Rockwell Automation and it was one of the warmest receptions I received all year. The cheers I heard when I got out of the car after the race were deafening. I was amazed how long the fans remained around after the race. I must have signed as many autographs after the race as I did before it. I am sure they wanted a local driver to win, but I think I still made some fans last year."
Crew Chief Dave Rogers on Mexico City…
"There are a lot of good memories thinking back on this race last year. Although it was my first win as a crew chief, it was a lot more than that. When I came over to the Busch side last year, it was the first time I worked on Busch cars. We implemented a whole new way of how we did things in the shop. Although the guys never complained, they logged a lot of hours getting things ready for the season. Winning at Mexico City showed them that all the hard work they put in the offseason paid off. With the 18 car also finishing in the top-five it set an energy level at the shop that carried us through the season.
When I get there, I am sure it will be sentimental for about five minutes but then it is time to try to win another trophy."
Notes
Car History — This week the #20 team is bringing car #2055. This is the same car that Hamlin drove to Victory Lane at the Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 last year. This was the first road course car built by JGR in 2005 and then updated for 2006. Hamlin also drove this car at Watkins Glen last July where he was running 3rd when the #02 car of Ryan Newman blew an engine and Hamlin spun in the oil. Hamlin was able to recover and finish 12th. This car has been given a new front clip and an updated body for 2007.
