Jeremy Mayfield: "I'm definitely looking forward to Dover. We got caught up in someone else's mess last weekend, so we're excited to get right back to a racetrack that we feel really good about." Credit: Autostock

Evernham: Mayfield must stay focused

DOVER, Del. -- As a former crew chief to four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, Ray Evernham has plenty of championship experience to draw from as the driver of his No. 19 Dodge, Jeremy Mayfield, makes his push toward the inaugural Nextel Cup championship.

JEREMY MAYFIELD •   Driver Page •   World of Dodge •   2004 Stats •   Superstore: Mayfield gear

His advice to Mayfield, particularly after the three-car incident that ended his day early last Sunday at New Hampshire, is simple.

"Just run hard," said Evernham. "They've got to do what got them there. I don't want them to hold back."

Holding to that may be a bit difficult. A week ago at NHIS, Mayfield was put in the middle of an incident between Greg Biffle and Robby Gordon. When the smoke cleared, Mayfield was left with a 35th-place finish and in a big hole in the Chase for the Nextel Cup.

Heading into Sunday's race, Mayfield sits 10th in the Chase, 142 points out of the lead.

Over the last two weeks, Mayfield has experienced the highs and lows of the Chase. Credit: Autostock

Mayfield is more than ready to put the ugly mess behind him.

"I'm definitely looking forward to Dover. We got caught up in someone else's mess last weekend, so we're excited to get right back to a racetrack that we feel really good about."

Mayfield's confidence is well-founded. He has six top-10 finishes at the mile oval, including a second-place finish in this event one year ago. He started the race here in the spring on the pole before finishing eighth.

A strong testing session earlier this week at Kentucky Speedway only heightened his confidence.

"I really feel like Dover can be a rallying point for the team and that it's going to be one of our great racetracks," Mayfield said.

"It's always been a good place for me. I love it, I can't wait to get there and try to make up some of what we lost the other day.

CHASE FOR THE NEXTEL CUP •   Superstore: Chase driver gear •   Official Standings •   Inside the Chase •   Expanded access to the Chase on TrackPass

Despite the incident, Mayfield believes that his quest for the Nextel Cup isn't over.

"It's possible to make up the points because other guys will have problems, too, just like we did."

Evernham agrees.

"It's gonna take a heck of a lot more than one wreck to take you out," Evernham said. "These guys are far from down. This is a completely different race team since (it won at) Richmond."

Still, Evernham believes that keeping focus, particularly after a setback, is key to success.

"You're always concerned because it seems there's a lot more on the line now. We're certainly upset, but that was last week and this is this week."

Still, since Mayfield clinched a spot in the Chase with his win at Richmond, Evernham said he's seen a marked change in his driver.

"Jeremy is as focused and as determined as I've ever seen him," Evernham said. "Maybe he's had the ability to run for a championship all along and now he believes it."