Ricky Craven: Coca-Cola 600 preview

HICKORY, N.C. -- Ricky Craven, driver of the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet, finished third in the Coca-Cola 600 two years ago. Craven also celebrated his birthday on Monday, May 24th, so a win at the Coca-Cola 600 would be a great belated birthday present for him and the Tide Racing team.

Does running the All-Star Challenge weekend help as test session for the Coca-Cola 600?

"It is a big asset running the All-Star weekend as an extra test session for the 600, but on the other hand, it is big for everyone. The margin is the same. If you don't capitalize on the All-Star race in terms of a test and an opportunity to gain speed, then you've given up or created a deficit to the competition. It can be an advantage, but it can also be a disadvantage if you don't capitalize on the opportunity."

Would you say the Coca-Cola 600 is the toughest race of the year since it is the longest?

"The race is at night and obviously the longest race we run, so there is some endurance involved in it, but I wouldn't say it is the toughest race on the circuit. Personally, I feel the most challenging races of the year are Martinsville and Bristol."

From a driver's perspective, what goes into preparation for running an additional 100 miles, during the Coca-Cola 600?

"We've run a dozen races so far this year and are testing what seems like every week, so you're prepared for it physically. I load up starting on Wednesdays with fluids and continuing to re-hydrate during the races is the ticket to being there at the end."

Why is the Coca-Cola 600 such a favorite race of all the competitors?

"The 600 has always been one of my favorite races. I like the race, this week, this month, because you are home a lot. It's a very exciting atmosphere as a lot of friends and a lot people that are part of the Tide Racing team get to come to the track to watch the race. I always single this month out as one of the most enjoyable on the schedule. Also, the race itself is very important --- The 600, along with the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, you single out and say, 'if you can win one of these races, it's big.' Two years ago we were close. We ran good enough to win, but fell short at the end and it made us hungrier. It is still hard to enjoy that because we were so close."

"My first 600, in 1995, we were running sixth or seventh and dropped a valve around lap 525. It seems like on this race on mile 500, it is taboo for whoever is leading. It's historically always worked against that person. You can go look through year after year of the drivers that have led on mile 500 and they have some sort of problem...they find a way to lose. That day, we ended up dropping a valve, but still finished 10th. As badly as I'd like to have 2002 over again, where I only needed two spots, my first Coca-Cola 600 is one I'd like to have back again because I felt like we were destined to be top-five."