Ricky Craven: Dodge/Save Mart 350 preview

HICKORY, N.C. -- Ricky Craven, driver of the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet, will make his seventh appearance at Infineon Raceway. Craven and the Tide Racing team prepared for the upcoming road course events by testing at Virginia International Raceway with the assistance of road course specialist, Bill Cooper. In addition, the team built a brand new car, built specifically for the road courses.

Road courses are famous for being hard on transmissions and brakes. You always hear of a driver trying to take care of his equipment, but what things can a driver actually do to help?

"Well the key is to match revs and obviously not miss a shift. You need to try not to be too careful because the gear boxes we run requires you to be aggressive and just throw it in gear."

You tested at Virginia International Raceway last month in preparation for the road course events this year and utilized a road course specialist for additional instruction. What did you learn? Anything you can share?

"I learned a lot. Bill Cooper was a big help. Although he's closer to 60 than he is 40, he doesn't show any age. He's a very, very talented race car driver and equally as talented tutor. The two days we spent together were priceless. We worked on many different things."

Do you use different footwork during a road course race and if so, how hard is it to change it for just two events each year?

"I brake with my left foot. You'll see two different types of driving out there. Some drivers use heel-toe, where the heel of his right foot is on the brake and uses his toes to rev the engine. The other type drivers are two-foot drivers like myself, where you use your left foot for the brake and clutch and your right foot for the accelerator."

The Sonoma area is one of the prettiest places the circuit visits each year. What is your favorite thing to do out here and where is the neatest place you have visited in the past?

"I've got a couple of places we've visited. Anytime you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, it is spectacular. I've found a jeweler out there that makes his own jewelry and that race always leads up to my wedding anniversary. It is where I always get my wife her anniversary gift, so it is very convenient."