Busch Series set for Nazareth's swan song

CONCORD, N.C. -- The NASCAR Busch Series first came to Nazareth Speedway back in 1987. The racing gods didn't shine on the drivers and teams that day, because what was supposed to be the first race there was rained out.

	David Green

So the Busch Series came back the following year, and after qualifying was washed out, Rick Mast became the first driver to win at the one-mile track. The series has been coming back every season since, but with the recent schedule realignment by NASCAR, Nazareth Speedway will no longer be hosting races next year.

"It's really sad for the Busch Series because to me it's always been one of the highlights of our season," two-time Nazareth pole winner David Green said.

They could put on a great show for the fans and the TV world without the Cup drivers.

"It was also a track that the new drivers and owners could come to and make the race and build their program for Busch Series involvement down the road. New drivers could come and compete without the fear of not making the race because a bunch of Cup drivers were there, so it's tough to see it go. I wish we could still run there for years to come."

Goulds Pumps ITT 200  •  Entry List  •  Nazareth Speedway  •  Last Year's Race

This weekend's Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200 is a Busch Series stand-alone event, meaning there won't be the crush of Nextel Cup drivers in the field. Nazareth is one of the Busch Series' own, and many drivers regret seeing it go away.

"It's unfortunate that we won't be coming back to Nazareth next year," 2002 race winner Jason Keller said. "They just haven't been able to draw a big enough crowd here, which is unfortunate for me because I always perform well at this track. I would love to see it stay on the schedule but NASCAR needs to make decisions like this to make the sport better for everyone."

	Jason Keller

Nazareth is one of the most unique tracks in all of NASCAR, with four, five or six turns, depending on whom you ask. That's one of the things that made it special, Steve Grissom said

"It's a shame to hear the news about Nazareth," Grissom said. "I was up there for the very first race they ever ran in 1987. We practiced, qualified, then ran a heat race, but the actual race itself got rained out.

"You hate to see something like this happen to a track like Nazareth. That track has kind of gone out of its way for the Busch Series. Since the first time we actually got to race there in 1988, I've enjoyed going there. It's just a different type of track than what any racing series is used to running."

Green echoed Grissom's sentiment about how good the local fans are.

"Nazareth is a great community that supports the track year after year, and with the history of the Andrettis close by and the support of the fans there, it is always special to me," Green said.

	Ron Hornaday

Ron Hornaday and Tim Fedewa are tied with two victories apiece at Nazareth, with 12 other drivers winning once each. Hornaday compares the track to a road course, noting that Nazareth is a fun place to race.

"I remember running a truck here when the fog was so bad along the back straightaway that you couldn't even see the truck in front of you," Hornaday said. "It's a fun racetrack. I just love coming here and love the fans. It's a fun little racetrack. I love road courses and this is sort of like a road course.

"Nazareth has always been special to me. It is a fun racetrack for me. I enjoy it a lot. I know every wall around here. It is just a matter of getting the good thing out of here and going home with a win."

Fedewa, too, would like to break the tie.

"I would really like to get a win there with it being the last race at Nazareth," Fedewa said. I have had some success there in the past so obviously we would like to do well there again."

Then again, every driver wants to win the last race at Nazareth Speedway.

"It would be a thrill to go down in the history books as Nazareth's last winner," Johnny Sauter said. "It would be pretty special to say that you were the last NASCAR driver to go to Victory Lane there."