Barrett makes strong first impression at testing

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Stanton Barrett and his new No. 60 OdoBan Racing team had a promising test at Las Vegas International Speedway.

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Off the truck, Barrett's Monday morning test speeds were at the top of the chart. However, by the afternoon fellow Roush driver Matt Kenseth had edged Barrett's time with a lap of 162.247 mph.

On the second day of testing Tuesday, Barrett raised the bar and was back on top

with a time of 163.527 mph. With their two-day test session completed, the No. 60 OdoBan Taurus had turned in the fastest time of the Busch cars.

"I wasn't sure if we had the fastest time or not, but apparently we did," said Barrett, who is beginning his first full season with Roush Racing. "You have to keep it in perspective, it is just a test but it's encouraging.

"Kenseth was right there with us the whole time. Our car was great on the long runs. It was just good to be there with such a strong team. I like Vegas because both the driver and the crew have an influence on the car's performance, unlike Daytona where the equipment is the most important."

For Barrett and his new OdoBan Racing team, the recent Daytona and Las Vegas tests have been more than just an opportunity to learn valuable test data. They have also been a chance for the new No. 60 team to get to know each other. Since many of last year's No. 60 Grainger team have moved to Winston Cup with driver Greg Biffle, there are several new faces in the No. 60 shop.

"We are starting to pull together and build friendships," said Barrett. "We all love what we are doing and it is just a good environment. At this test we were a great crew, having a great time, at a great track. We know that the other teams will come back to this track faster and even more competitive, and so will we. It makes me totally stoked to start the season."

From Las Vegas, Barrett took advantage of his last weekend on the west coast before traveling the hectic 34-race Busch Series schedule, by driving to L.A. for some unfinished business and relaxation.

"I have to go to the doctor to have minor surgery on the foot I injured last summer," said Barrett. "That something that has been bothering me and now I can take care of it. That way I will be 100% this season. After that I am going to check out the motocross race in Anaheim."

By Friday afternoon however, Barrett had gotten a jump on his weekend. He could be seen paragliding over the pacific shoreline outside of L.A. soaking up one last bit of California sunshine before heading back to Mooresville, NC for the duration of the 2003 Busch Series season.

Barrett and the OdoBan Racing Team will kick off the season at full speed on February 15, in the Koolerz 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Roush Industries and operates eight motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Winston Cup with drivers Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, and Greg Biffle; one in the Busch series with Stanton Barrett; and two teams in the Craftsman Truck series with driver Jon Wood and Kyle Busch.