Driving at Pocono will be a new experience

Well, "The Monster Mile" definitely lived up to its reputation last weekend. The Havoline Dodge, however, escaped all the wrecks and we finished the race in 13th place. While we were hoping for more, I think all of us on the team were happy to leave Dover with our car in one piece.

	Jamie McMurray

We took the car that has run the best for us so far this season, and it didn't disappoint. In four starts with that chassis, the worst finish we've had was this past weekend in Dover. We plan on taking that same car to Michigan in a few weeks.

The Havoline Dodge was better on long runs, and the last caution there at the end hurt us because were weren't real good on new tires, but we managed to move up four spots in the point standings and continue to lead the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year standings, so all-in-all, it was a decent weekend in Dover.

This week is going to be another busy one for me. I think people would be surprised how I spend my days off. My birthday is this week, and it looks like I'll be spending that time at my house that I just bought. We're going in and renovating it, so it's definitely becoming a big project.

I left Wednesday morning for Phoenix for an appearance with my sponsor, Havoline. I return to Charlotte on Thursday afternoon and then it's off to Pocono that night.

This weekend should definitely be an interesting one. We tested at Pocono last week, and that race track is definitely unique. All three turns are different, and you shift going into Turn 1, so I'm sure I'll have a lot to write about next week after my first experience racing at Pocono.

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We're taking the same car we ran in The Winston and Coca-Cola 600 to Pocono this weekend, so hopefully I'll learn how to drive Pocono pretty quick, and we'll have a strong run in the Havoline Dodge. That's the great thing about having a veteran teammate like Sterling Marlin. If we are struggling this Pocono, I can always go to him for advice.

Answers to Questions

Is there going to be an autograph session at Pocono this weekend for you?

-- Jim Langhorne, Ashely, Pa.

Jim, yes, I believe we have set up an autograph session at the Havoline souvenir trailer for Saturday afternoon after the ARCA race. From what I've been told, be sure to stop by the trailer Saturday morning to pick up your ticket to get in line for the autograph session. There will be a sign that will be posted stating the exact time of the autograph session. Hope to see you there.

Are you planning to stop racing in the Busch series and just drive Winston Cup? Lately, I've noticed that you have David Stremme filling in for you in the Busch Series.

-- Adrienne Woolsey, Highland, N.Y.

Adrienne, I was never scheduled to run the entire Busch series schedule this year in the Yellow Dodge. From the start of the season, the plan was for me to split the ride with David Stremme.

David has done a great job in the races he's competed in, and he's definitely going to be someone to keep your eye on this year and for years to come.

I enjoy running the Busch series races, but as the year goes on, you'll see David behind the wheel more often as he gets ready for a full-time Busch ride next year.

Is your girlfriend, Cielo, the same Cielo Garcia who was the former Miss Winston? I was wondering if she was the same person I had seen in the NASCAR 2003 Media Guide.

-- Pam Wilson, Brierfield, Ala.

Pam, yes, your assumption is correct. Cielo was Miss Winston last year, and we started dating last year while I was still running full time in the Busch series.

Jamie McMurray drives the No. 42 Texaco Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. His diary appears weekly on SI.com.