Park determined in face of scrutiny, speculation

FONTANA, Calif. -- He took on the track. After he won the Bud Pole, he took on the media.

Steve Park fired back at his critics on Friday, vowing that he is about "to win races" and that the media will "look like a fool when it's all said and done."

	Credit: Autostock

Park, 27th in Winston Cup standings but arguably first when it comes to rumors, has been the subject of endless job security speculation for nearly a year.

Park is in his sixth season driving the No. 1 Pennzoil Chevrolet, but his contract -- and the contract of his sponsor -- is up at the end of the season. Naturally, that has fueled speculation that his job is on the line.

"Pieces of paper are just that," said Ty Norris, Executive Vice President of DEI. "If we give him what he needs, and he puts in the dedication he puts into this race team, despite all the things that have been said, written or shown up on websites, that is all that matters."

The rumors have gotten so thick that Park and Norris met earlier this month to discuss the situation.

STEVE PARK  •  Driver Page  •  Crew chief Tony Gibson  •  Dale Earnhardt Inc.  •  Park's Message Board

Norris told Park not to dwell on anything he read -- just drive the car.

"We are not going to concern ourselves with it," Norris told Park.

Park blistered California Speedway on Friday -- winning the Bud Pole despite qualifying in the late stages, when the sun peeked out onto the two-mile surface.

Park says Friday's Bud Pole is just the beginning. The rumors may not stop, but Park says he won't pay attention to them.

Actually, he'll do just the opposite.

"When I am in Victory Lane, winning races, everyone that has had a bad thing to say about this race team is going to bite their tongue," Park said.

	Credit: Autostock

"I am going to put it in their face, and show it to them that not only were they wrong, but -- I mean -- if they expect Steve Park to be polite to them, and honor their wishes now that things are going good, that is not going to happen."

Park, severely injured in a Busch accident at Darlington in 2001, has gotten off to a slow start this season, in which both his teammates -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip -- have won.

DEI restructured Park's team after the 2002 season, adding Tony Gibson as crew chief and bringing in a slew of new crew members.

Park says it will pay off -- and soon.

"No matter what people say, our main goal is to win races. (The media's) confidence has wavered. My confidence hasn't wavered. Our team hasn't wavered.

"Nothing hurts me. I have been through a lot in the last year and a half, and nothing hurts me. I am telling to you right now: I am fixing to win races."