Biography
 Up Close
 Sponsor Info
 Photo Gallery
 Related Links
 Season Results

 Larry Foyt Main Page
 Foyt Merchandise
 Home

Daytona International speedway
NAPA Auto Parts 300

Daytona International Speedway

            My rookie season in the Nascar Busch series rolled off last week in Daytona. It had taken a winter filled with seven day work weeks and late hours to make it to Daytona, and the entire Harrah's team was ready to get the season started.

            I was extremely excited, as well as a bit nervous. Daytona is the "superbowl" of stock car racing, the race everyone wants to win.  For me, it was my first Busch race, my first race at Daytona, and my first time to experience super speedway drafting.

            We didn't qualify as well as we had hoped or expected. We made it into the race in 36^th position at a speed of 181.5 mph. The important thing was we had accomplished our first goal, qualify for Daytona. 

            I knew the race was going to be a learning experience.  Drafting at Daytona can be compared to a 180 mph chess game.  You must plan your moves and use the air off other cars to your advantage.  My dad had told me to stick to the high groove during the race.  I did my best to follow that plan, and focused on finishing without making too many risky moves. It is important for a rookie to show the other drivers that he is able to keep his head in the race car, and that he will not make stupid moves that will put other drivers in danger.

            In the end we finished 19^th.  I feel it was a success for the entire Harrah's racing team.  We had accomplished our goals by qualifying and finishing in the top 20. Being a brand new race team that was just built over the winter, I couldn't be more proud of my team. 

            Unfortunately my happiness from our success was soured on the following day. Stock car racing lost one of it's best drivers ever when Dale Earnhardt was involved in an accident  on the last lap of the Daytona 500.  The car I had raced the day before was actually bought from Dale Earnhardt  over the winter.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ron Hornaday had raced the car for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated in the two years prior.  The death of  the "Itimidator" is a difficult reminder of the dangers drivers face in race cars.  I had been watching Earnhardt  closely in that race, trying to learn everything I could from the master of the draft.  I am thankful I was able to see his last race, and will keep his family in my prayers.

Thanks for your support. You can see the #14 Harrah's Racing Chevrolet at North Carolina Speedway on February 24^th. 

Talk to you soon,

Larry Foyt