Pennzoil Pontiac Racing Preview: Benson Heads to Phoenix
28 October 1997
Benson and Bid For Top-10 Goes to Phoenix Pennzoil Pontiac driver Johnny Benson takes his quest for a top-10 finish in the points standings to Phoenix International Raceway this weekend. Benson is 14th in points after falling two positions due to a 36th-place finish at Rockingham. Points Battle 9. Ted Musgrave 3,389 10. Rusty Wallace 3,351 -38 11. Jeremy Mayfield 3,335 -16 12. Ken Schrader 3,313 -22 13. Ernie Irvan 3,293 -20 14. Johnny Benson 3,290 -3 15. Ricky Rudd 3,223 -67 Benson on Phoenix: "When I think about Phoenix the first thing I think about is how warm it is, and that the rattlesnakes outside the track are pretty cool. But, if you are talking about the track, then I think how fast it is for just a mile oval. It's also a very challenging track. Turns one and two are like your normal corners, but turns three and four are a bit longer and flatter and real slippery. ...last weekend's disappointment at Rockingham: "We just couldn't figure out what was wrong with the Pennzoil Pontiac. Everything was fine until the last practice on Saturday and the handling became terrible. It didn't handle like that during any of our tests (at Rockingham) nor on Friday during qualifying. It came back on Monday and was pretty bad. We had problems, but we still have a shot at finishing in the top 10. "We have to start finishing in the top 10 in the races in order to get into the top 10 in points." ...importance of a top-10 points finish: "Since a few races into the season our goal has been to get a victory and finish in the top-10 in points. We still plan to win a race, but right now that top-10 is really close. We would love to get a table close to the stage at the banquet in New York this year. I'd have to make a speech which isn't all that much fun, but I'll make as many speeches as I have to if that means getting the Pennzoil Pontiac in the top 10. Benson's Winston Cup Record at Phoenix S F LC TL Status Money 1996 Dura Lube 500 (Phoenix) 23 32 304 312 Running $19,170 For More Information Contact: Drew Brown Cohn & Wolfe (404) 880-5269 drew_brown@cohnwolfe.com