2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The nameplate that has taken the most checkered flags in NASCAR Winston Cup history takes some of that wildness to the streets in the 2004 model year as the 240-horsepower (179 kw) Monte Carlo Supercharged SS makes its debut.

With enhancements to ride and handling along with the supercharged 3800 V-6 engine, the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will take spirited performance to a higher level.

The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS comes with a four-wheel independent performance suspension and high-performance Goodyear tires with 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels. It also features a race-inspired spoiler, bright stainless steel dual exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-gauge cluster including boost gauge and 'Supercharged SS' exterior and interior badging.

The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also offers the features that come with the LS and non-supercharged SS: racing-inspired aerodynamic styling, a solid body structure, a comprehensive safety package, a spacious interior, an extensive level of standard luxury features and a track record of outstanding quality, reliability and durability.

Chevrolet is working with the GM Performance Division to develop the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS and other SS vehicles that feature strong acceleration, enhanced handling and uncompromised driveability. A new Impala SS, featuring the same supercharged version of the 3800, also debuts as a 2004 model.

3800 supercharged V-6
The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature the 3800 Series II supercharged V-6. This award-winning engine boasts a torque curve that is consistently high over a broad operating range, providing instant, off-the-line acceleration and ample power for highway merging and passing. The 3.8L engine generates 240 hp (179 kw) at 5200 rpm, and an impressive 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm.

The 3800 SC features a compact, 90-cubic-inch supercharger. Performance has been enhanced over the years by refining software in the powertrain control module. As a result, the engine delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion - with virtually no supercharger lag - by adding boost at predetermined points along the power curve.

Among improvements for 2004, the 3800 SC will be outfitted with a direct-mount air-conditioning compressor that reduces vibration for an improvement to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. In addition, powder-metal connecting rods replace cast-iron rods for increased durability and reduced weight.

In the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, the 3800 SC will be mated to a heavy-duty version of the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Chassis, suspension upgrades
Monte Carlo's body structure provides the foundation for superb ride and handling. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and the overall tautness of the Monte Carlo's body structure allows chassis components to be finely tuned to enhance performance.

Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also continues to feature four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four corners, power rack-and-pinion steering, electronic traction control and large-diameter four-wheel disc power-assisted braking with ABS.

Chassis and suspension enhancements provide the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with sportier ride and handling capabilities. Spring rates are stiffened in both front and rear, and the rear ride height is lowered by 10 mm. The combination helps reduce body roll in cornering and improves the driver's 'feel' of road conditions.

Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also receives enhanced suspension components, such as 34-mm front and 19.5-mm rear stabilizer bars (compared to 30 mm/17 mm in Monte Carlo LS), along with refinements to the rear trailing link and rear strut mounts.

Goodyear P235/55R17 W-rated tires mounted on 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels provide Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with excellent road holding and cornering capabilities along with a smooth ride.

SS styling cues
Unique styling cues will help set the aggressively styled Monte Carlo Supercharged SS apart from its siblings and establish a link with other Chevy SS models. Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will be available in eight different colors including Galaxy Silver, Superior Blue, Competition Yellow, White, Black, Victory Red, Berry Red and Medium Gray. Several colors are offered in two-tone theme including color-keyed bodyside moldings, full-perimeter ground effects and integrated fog lamps.

Other Supercharged SS highlights include a race-inspired spoiler and dual bright stainless-steel exhaust tips. Inside, the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature a six-gauge cluster with boost gauge, full door-width kick plates featuring the Monte Carlo nameplate and 'Supercharged SS' badging.

Other improvements to Monte Carlo line
On the dash, the heating/ventilation controls and the control head receive a contemporary redesign. Also, a 16-inch five-spoke sport aluminum wheel is a new option for the LS sport appearance package and a new sport package is available for the SS. The LS sport appearance package includes a racing-inspired spoiler and 16-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels with a silver center-cap bowtie. The new SS appearance package is the same, except for a red center-cap bowtie on the wheels. There also is a new Winner's Circle Package, which includes the LS or SS Appearance Package equipment, plus side graphics appliqués.

Two new exterior colors debut for 2004: Sandstone Metallic and Medium Gray Metallic.

Comfort and convenience abound
Monte Carlo has as much as 7 more cubic feet (198L) of interior room than any non-GM competitor in its class. Even with the roominess and appointments of a luxury vehicle, Monte Carlo owners get a race car-inspired interior feel.

Standard equipment on all Monte Carlos includes a climate control system with individual driver and front passenger temperature settings. A standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat makes Monte Carlo's 15.8 cubic feet (447L) of trunk space very versatile.

Safety and security
Attention to safety and security is also key to Monte Carlo's success. It has a 5-star rating (the highest rating possible) for driver and front passenger protection in U.S. government frontal crash tests. Available safety equipment, depending on model, includes anti-lock disc brakes, a driver's side-impact air bag, OnStar in-vehicle communications and assistance service, a tire-inflation monitoring system, a passive theft-deterrent system and remote keyless entry.

Source - GM Corporation

Latest in a Series of Ultimate Collectibles Honoring NASCAR Stars

Chevrolet is introducing two unique 2004 Monte Carlo models to honor one of the most legendary father-and-son race driver combinations of all time - the Earnhardt's.

With a scheduled production run of 4,000 units, the new Monte Carlo Intimidator SS is a tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt, one of the most respected and admired drivers and team owners in NASCAR history. The second model, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series Supercharged SS, is a salute to one most popular and competitive drivers on the circuit today. A total of 2,883 units are scheduled for production.

Both models are based on the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS coupe. As the name implies, motivation comes from GM's 3800 Series II supercharged V-6, delivering 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and an impressive 280 lb.ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. The torque curve is consistently high over a broad operating range, providing instant off-the-line acceleration and ample power for highway merging and passing.

As expected, the Intimidator SS comes in Dale's favorite color - monochromatic Black. Included in the package are 17-inch chrome wheels and the legendary 'Intimidator' logo on the decklid, rear quarter panels, door sills and instrument panel. The Dale Earnhardt Legacy logo is included on the instrument panel and on the head restraints of the sport-contoured front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces. Dale's trademark signature is included in the gauge cluster.

The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series is also outfitted with numerous unique features. Its Victory Red exterior has full-length racecar-inspired body graphics and logos of his well-known No. 8 on the body sides, front license plate cover, door sill plates and instrument panel. Exclusive to this model are 17-inch black-accented machined aluminum wheels. 'Dale Jr.' signature graphics are incorporated on the rear decklid, gauge cluster, floor mats and the front-seat head restraints of the leather-covered sport bucket seats. Completing the package is a high-performance 280-watt, eight-speaker audio system.

While delivery of these limited edition models are just beginning through select Chevrolet dealerships in the U.S. and Canada, they will be showcased at two special events planned at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's (DEI's) headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Jim Campbell, Chevrolet's director of car marketing, will present the keys to one of each model to Teresa Earnhardt during festivities at DEI's 'Monte Carlo Day' on April 24. The special editions will also be on prominent display during 'Dale Earnhardt Day' at DEI on April 29.

'The Earnhardt family name has long been associated with Chevrolet,' said Campbell. 'Our decision to produce these unique models was to acknowledge the contributions both of these outstanding individuals have made to the sport. We're sure their fans will be excited to have the opportunity to own a vehicle that so closely resembles the Monte Carlos campaigned by these champions on the track.'

Chevrolet will make a donation from the sale of the Monte Carlo Intimidator SS and the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, a charity specifically chosen by the Earnhardt family. The Foundation is committed to carrying on Dale's legacy and the charitable causes he supported during his lifetime.

The Intimidator SS and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series are the latest in a series of limited-edition Chevrolets honoring NASCAR stars and are considered by some fans as the ultimate in NASCAR-themed collectibles.

Prior models were the 2002 Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition (3,333 units) and the 2003 Jeff Gordon Signature Edition (2,424 units). Chevrolet donated a total of $909,000 to charitable organizations based on the sales of those vehicles.

Whether on the racetrack or on the road, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo has always stood for performance. Long known as the winningest nameplate in the history of NASCAR Winston Cup, the race-inspired looks and performance of the production model has earned it a spot as one of Chevrolet's most venerable brands.

Chevrolet's entire 2004 Monte Carlo lineup offers a solid body structure, room for five passengers, plenty of cargo space, a surprising number of amenities for the price, and a track record of outstanding quality, reliability and durability. Highlighting its comprehensive safety package, Monte Carlo consistently earns five stars (the highest U.S. government safety rating) in frontal crash testing for driver and front passenger.

Source - GM

Chevrolet Unveils Plans For Its First Rock And Roll Paint Scheme With Legendary Rock Band KISS

Today Chevrolet announced the popular Chevy Rock and Roll 400 will revisit Richmond International Raceway during this NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. The unique Rock and Roll inspired race, which features musical artist themed Chevrolets, will take place on Saturday, September 11. The first vehicle in a series of race cars to compete in the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 will feature a KISS paint scheme on the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Monte Carlo driven by Kevin Harvick. The KISS car will come to life through a joint program between Chevrolet, GM Service and Parts Operations, the rock band KISS and Action Performance Inc.

'We're in the midst of our most aggressive product renaissance in history with 10 new products in 20 months, and the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 allows us to bring awareness of these new vehicles to the public,' said Mac Whisner, director, Chevrolet promotions and sponsorships. 'By showcasing our new vehicles at the Richmond Fan Fest during the race weekend, we are able to offer unprecedented access to Chevy products and race cars in a festival atmosphere with family oriented games, entertainment and music.'

This is the fifth consecutive year that Chevrolet will be the title sponsor of the fall race at Richmond International Raceway. With over 110,000 fans attending, the race will mark the 26th consecutive sell-out of a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at the track and will be broadcast live during primetime. The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 is the final race of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series determining the participants in the 'Chase for the Championship.'

'Chevrolet always creates a top notch racing experience when they come to our track and this year should be no different,' said Doug Fritz, track president. 'The Rock and Roll concept is great for all parties involved and will only create more excitement for the race leading up to the championship run.'

Today's announcement is the first of many musical pairings to be announced prior to the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.

KISS Rocks on Three Chevrolets

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock band KISS were at the track today to help unveil three Chevrolets featuring a KISS paint scheme. In addition to the KISS themed Monte Carlo to be driven by Kevin Harvick, two other NASCAR drivers will carry a similar paint scheme leading up to the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. Ron Hornaday will compete in the No. 2 ACDelco Monte Carlo during the Emerson 250 Busch race on Sept. 10 and Matt Crafton will drive the No. 6 GM Goodwrench Silverado during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200 on Sept. 9. All three of the vehicles are sponsored by GM Service and Parts Operations.

GM Service and Parts Operations began its relationship with the rock band in 2002 when the KISS logo appeared on the hood of Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier during a Las Vegas National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event. The relationship has continued to evolve and expanded to GM Goodwrench this year with its three distinct sponsorships in each of NASCAR's touring series.

'Our past experiences in working with KISS for racing initiatives has been a positive one,' said Sue Seaglund, manager event marketing, GM Service and Parts Operations. 'We are glad to be continuing our relationship with the group and expanding our affiliation with KISS to include the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.'

All three of the specially painted KISS Chevrolets were designed by renowned motorsport artist Sam Bass. Bass is well known for his dramatic paint schemes in both the NASCAR and NHRA circuits. A devoted member of the KISS Army, Bass relished the opportunity to design these three exciting vehicles for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400.

A Rock and Roll Monte Carlo to Pace at Richmond

One additional Chevrolet that will appear on the track is a specially designed 2005 Monte Carlo pace car. The Chevy pace vehicle features a vibrant paint scheme of red, blue and yellow complimented with racing flames and a large guitar graphic featuring the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 logo. The race name stretches across the hood of the vehicle while the Chevy bowtie covers the trunk lid.

The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 pace car is distinctly similar to Monte Carlo production models. The vehicle is powered by a supercharged V6 engine, the same engine available in the supercharged Monte Carlo in dealer showrooms. The 3.8 liter engine develops 240 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. The pace car is complete with 17-inch wheels and Goodyear performance tires.

Chevrolet is the Official Pace Vehicle for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. During the 2004 race season Chevrolet will pace 57 national NASCAR events (26 Nextel Cup, 18 Busch, and 13 Craftsman Truck races).

Source - GM

NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES - KANSAS SPEEDWAY

TONY STEWART, NO. 20 HOME DEPOT CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'I was hoping we'd gain just a little bit. But we're not unhappy with it. It was a pretty good run for the limited amount of qualifying runs we made. I think we'll be all right.'

(HANDLING IS OBVIOUSLY KEY AT THIS TRACK. DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH TURNS 1 AND 2 MORE THAN TURNS 3 AND 4 OR VICE VERSA?) 'Actually the two ends are very different. They've got two totally different characteristics from each other, that's for sure. It's one of those tracks where you've just got to kind of figure out what you need to do in Turns 1 and 2 and then you've got to do something a little different in Turns 3 and 4 each time.'

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DUPONT CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'We were pretty good in practice this morning. We went out there and got real loose the first time out (in practice) and then we tightened it up and were pretty decent. We made a few qualifying runs there late and guys picked up but we didn't pick up as much. So we made a few more adjustments. The car looks great. We need to make it go as fast as it looks.'

(HAS THIS TRACK CHANGED VERY MUCH SINCE THE BEGINNING AND HAS THE SECOND GROOVE COME IN SO YOU'LL HAVE THE ABILITY TO PASS?) 'The track seems to get better and the groove seems to get wider every time we come back here. But it always changes each time. But we've been able to stay on top of it pretty good. It hasn't changed that much. The bumps are about the same. The grip level is about the same. But I love this track. The transitions are great. I think we're going to see a wider groove and more side by side racing this time around.'

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE'S CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'It was a great lap for us. I touched the track a little bit in Turn 3 and I know it kept me from getting to the bottom like I needed to and I bound the car up a little bit off of Turn 4. But in Turns 1 and 2, I laced it. It was an awesome ride through Turns 1 and 2. But it should be a great starting spot for this Lowe's team. We need to get the momentum back for us. It's been a rough couple of months for us and today would be a good day to get back in the right direction.'

(HOW WILL THE CLOUD COVER AFFECT THE QUALFIYING SESSION?) 'Well, it's been a cool day overall so it shouldn't be as big of a swing as you'd expect. Going out early today won't hurt us as bad as a different day.'

(HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR MORALE UP?) 'All we can do is give 100 percent. That's all you can do. If luck isn't on your side and you have things take place on the race track that are out of your control, there isn't much you can do. My guys believe in me and I believe in them 100 percent.'

BOBBY LABONTE, NO. 18 INTERSTATE BATTERIES CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'The car is pretty good. The guys did a really good job. We came out here and tested a couple of weeks ago and didn't make any qualifying runs. But we felt like we had a good car then and we backed it up with a good run so far here today. I don't know where it'll stack up here at the end of the day, but it was a good qualifying effort for us. We've been lacking a little bit on that too. We picked that up and hopefully we're making the curve a little bit and going uphill instead of downhill.'

MICHAEL WALTRIP, NO. 15 NAPA CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'The effort was over the top. Everybody tried really hard. We just didn't get the car handling right. I went down there in the turn and it didn't stick. We tried really hard. We gave it all we had. I couldn't breathe for about two minutes after the lap (because) you put so much into it. But we didn't get that much out of it. So we'll have to go back to work and get it ready for racing in the morning and hope for better results when we get in that mode.'

JEFF BURTON, NO. 31 AOL CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO: 'I'm really excited about what we've got going on here and real excited about tomorrow and Sunday.'

(WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PASS ON THIS RACE TRACK?) 'This track is like a lot of 1.5 mile tracks when they're fairly new. The second groove really hasn't come in yet. Really the best way to get somebody is off the corner and that's really all you can do.

'But track position is going to be real important - unless the groove widens out and it may widen out. The older this track gets, I think the more competitive and the more two and three-wide you're going to see.'

JOE NEMECHEK, NO. 01 U.S. ARMY CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO (DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE GOING TO BE THAT FAST?) 'It's just a testament to this whole U.S. Army crew. These guys have been working so hard. Everybody back at the shop - Ryan Pemberton, the leader of this group. We're on a roll. We've been good all year but our finishes just haven't shown how good this team is. To be on the pole last week at Talladega and hopefully this one will hold up today. It's just a great run for this whole U.S. Army team. I'm so proud to be representing the U.S. Army and every one of those soldiers - whether it's overseas or here in the states. I'm just doing all I can to give them something good to pull for.'

(DO YOU THINK IT WAS AN ADVANTAGE FOR YOU TO GO OUT LATER IN QUALIFYING?) 'I definitely think so. The track had cooled off just a little bit. In my Busch car, I struggled a little bit because the track temp went way up from what it was this morning. And now the temperature is starting to come back down. There's lots of grip out there. Thank you to Goodyear tires and everything they do. It's just a great day.'

'That's as close as you can be to out of control and still have control of a race car. The car stuck and went in the corner. We did a perfect job of getting the balance right with getting our tires and getting the right amount of laps on it and everything.

'It's really and honor to be on the pole when you're beating guys like Ryan Newman and Kasey Kahne. I've got to thank the entire crew. They've been working hard to give me the best equipment they can on a weekly basis. I've got to thank Hendrick Motorsports for the great power. Everything's been right. To pull off a pole here - to pull off back-to-back poles, that's pretty cool.'

(IS IT MORE SATISIFYING TO WIN A POLE HERE AT KANSAS?) 'It is absolutely more satisfying. You take them as you can get them. For the crew guys, it's Daytona and Talladega. There's a lot of pride there. For here at Kansas, that car's got to drive right. It's about downforce and bodies and everything. You've got to have the whole package.'

(IS THIS A GOOD INDICATION THAT THE TEAM IS TURNING AROUND?) 'Right now we're just communicating well. There is a lot of chemistry there.' PRESS CONFERENCE NOTES TO FOLLOW

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 8 BUDWEISER CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO -

(ON HIS QUALFIYING EFFORT) 'It was great. We didn't do any qualifying runs when we tested here at the end of last month. We qualified here before real well. So we're just concentrating on the race car and getting it right for Sunday. I can't wait until practice starts in the morning and getting after it and getting it right.

(ON HIS NASCAR PENALTY - YOU GOT YOUR HAND SLAPPED, HOW DO YOU MOVE FORWARD?) 'I'd say it was a little bit more than a slap. But I just learned to control myself better. It's kind of difficult in those situations. It's really hard, actually - especially when you win a race like that. But that's the rules and unfortunately we've got to play by every one of them, not just a few.

'I understand it was a mistake. It wasn't anything that I intentionally planned to say. I just think the punishment was a little bit more severe than the crime. But that's only my opinion. I don't think what I believe is always correct. Obviously if that was the case, I'd have never found myself in this situation. But I felt a little bit thrown under the bus. And now I'm getting a little bit dragged out and everybody wants to know how I feel about it and I don't know. It's really hard to have a one-sided opinion on it because number one, it's not correct - it's not right to do it, but the points thing is what bothers me the most. It's taking the points away. I feel like taking the points off the scoreboard is very tough to deal with and it's hard to understand. That's the only part that I have a problem with is just trying to understand where you can take points off the scoreboard after how hard we worked all day, we earned every one of them.'

(ON THE PENALTY ITSELF) 'I think everyone will decide that. I think popular opinion will decide that. There is no way you can justify saying anything like that and I expected to be penalized for it. And you would. But I feel like under the circumstances NASCAR didn't have any other route to take. They kind of pointed themselves in that direction by what they did with Sauter and Hornaday earlier this year. I told NASCAR that in my opinion - if not this time, but the next time for the next guy - change the penalty. $100,000, $200,000 - taking points off the scoreboard, whether it's fair or not, is not something I believe in.'

(ON THE APPEAL) 'We've got an appeal sent in that I feel real strongly about. I want to express firmly that I expected to be penalized. I believe what I did wasn't right. It wasn't correct. But I don't believe in taking points off the scoreboard. I think it's fair enough for me to appeal. So we'll see what the decision is with that. But aside from that, I don't disagree with the wrongness of it. I disagree with how the penalty was laid out. Again, I know it's consistent with what's happened in the past. But my opinion is that if they don't change it now, change it in the future for the next guy because points on the scoreboard belong on the scoreboard.'

(HAS NASCAR GIVEN YOU ANY IDEA OF WHEN THEY WILL RULE ON THE APPEAL?) 'No. We'll just see how that goes. We really want to concentrate obviously on the rest of the season. We have to race like we lost 25 points. We'll concentrate real hard and we want to do the best job we can for our fans. I want to apologize to my fans that they had to see me lose 25 points and we have to work harder. I'm sure it didn't make their day any easier when they went to work and their buddies pull for Jeff Gordon - they got to enjoy that a little bit (laughs). But that's the way it goes. That's why this sport is so great. It hasn't really changed anything. I've been penalized before. I hope this system changes a little bit - maybe not for me, but for the next guy.'

(YOU'VE BEEN A CLASS ACT IN THE WAY YOU'VE BEEN HANDLING THIS) 'Well, I appreciate that a lot. I'm not going to back off my level of honesty. When I say what I say right now, I mean it. I have a lot of respect for John (Darby). I worked with him in the Busch Series and he's been a true friend to me and helped me tremendously to understand the sport - especially with situations like this. He's been a huge help. I talked to him and I don't have to agree with it. But it's definitely how you handle yourself in that situation. But it's representative of me, my team, my sponsors, and I want to do what's right. I don't want to stand on a box and push my views really hard, but I feel like an appeal is an opportunity to make more sense out of it, even if it doesn't change anything maybe I'll be able to better understand the situation because there's still some questions in my mind.

'It's hard changing who you are. It's something that everybody should work on and I should as well. I've got a lot of friends who tell me all the time that I should clean it up a little bit. But being 30 years old, it's hard to change in the middle of the road here.'

(HAVE ANY OF YOUR FANS CHIPPED IN ON THE FINE PART OF THE PENALTY?) 'No. Nobody's chipped in. What I want my fans to do is just to speak for me toward NASCAR in a sensible manner - just try to show what their opinions are. Everybody needs to voice his opinion on things like this. And I hope my fans will speak up for me because my hands are tied up just a little bit with the situation.'

Source - GM

Elliott Sadler, Ward Burton, Brian Vickers

MODERATOR: Before Ward answers that question, in the NetZero Hi Speed Chevrolet qualified second with 185.391. Fantastic effort. Why don't you address that, coming from South Virginia, being here at Indy, what this means to you to qualify so well, No. 2.

WARD BURTON: It means a lot. Comes at a good time for all of us with the NetZero team. We're trying to, you know, build for the future. We made some changes in the last couple weeks that's definitely getting the light brighter at the end of the tunnel. This is another, you know, example of that. But back home, you know, most of all of us live in the Charlotte area. Elliott and I have both chose to stay where our heritage and our roots feel true to ourselves. I'm not going ever to say 'never,' because the older you get, you learn not to do that. But the chances of me leaving, leaving old Virginia, are very slim. I think Elliott's the same way. It is fun to be able to see, you know, even though I'm a little bit older than Elliott, you know, our parents have made a big difference in our lives as well as a lot of other people to get us to this point. We didn't do this on our own. There's a lot of talented people out there, but you got to be around people that support you and help you. You also got to be around racetracks that you learn from some of the best. My heroes were the Barry Begleys and Maurice Hills of the world. They were guys, when I came to Winston Cup, at that time I looked up to the Dale Srs. in the world. I had the same folks back home, Im sure Elliott did too. It means a lot to see Elliott and his brother and other folks that come from that area and do well.

MODERATOR: The only tradition that got you today was the Mears family tradition.

BURTON: He did. He kicked it good. Kicked me by 2/10ths. He was on a roll last week, too. So I think it's two poles in a row for him. The two tracks I guess are a little bit similar. But Casey is a good guy. Casey is one of the guys that's going to be in this sport for a long time. He's a good kid. I'm glad for him.

Q: Ward, who are you looking for?

BURTON: Shoot, there's 42 of them (laughter). You got to look for a whole lot of different things. I think the other thing y'all know, too, the qualifying setup and race setup are a little bit two different animals. Even though some of the qualifying setup we have on the car today, we will use like a shock absorber, we are going to have a work a lot on the cars coming up here the next hour or so. It could change a lot of things. Guy that's starting dead last or close to it could be the car to beat come tomorrow. We just got to work hard today.

MODERATOR: Ward, why don't you take us through your qualifying effort. Obviously, you had the benefit of starting early on. That seemed to be beneficial. Take us through your qualifying run. Did you sense at that time not only it was going to be good enough to be No. 2 but also breaking the track record?

BURTON: You know, yesterday in practice, we had some shocks on the car that made the car pick up a bounce in the middle of the corner. That bounce would send me up the track. So we changed our package with the shocks. That's really what picked our car up because that's about the only thing we changed. Getting up to speed was good. Going through one, two, three was pretty much uneventful. Was able to drive in pretty deep, get on the gas pretty quick. Car was real stable. Got into four and picked up a push and did the same way yesterday. I don't think I lost two and a half tenths to Casey off that corner, but I did lose a little bit off that corner. It looked like to me from the film, Casey was in the gas just a little bit harder all the way around the racetrack than the rest of us. That's where he beat us at.

MODERATOR: You were speaking earlier when you first walked in about what this means to your team to be qualified up here, maybe get the momentum going over the rest of the course of the season. Obviously I assume that this must be a real confidence booster also for your crew, for your team, to be starting in the No. 2 spot for the Brickyard 400.

BURTON: It is. You know, we made some pretty significant personnel changes three weeks ago. Respect and feel like even the people that are no longer with us add a lot to our team, and we lost some when we made changes. At the same time the direction that we're going now, we're using all of the available resources. The sport has changed so much in the last really three years that if you don't use all your resources, and if you don't have an open mind, and are willing to listen and learn, and whatever position you are, you're going to fall behind. The sport has changed so much, that we're seeing even experience in some ways is not as important as it used to be because the cars are so important and the attitude of the cars and having the right support group, which is allowing basically someone like a Casey Mears to come in from nowhere a year ago and sit on two poles in a row. We didn't see that three or four years ago. So the changing of the guard, not really the changing, but as the sport is evolving, it's going through some changes, and it's going on right in front of us. I got to add one thing. There's two words out there this week called 'hot seat' that I been on all week. Of course, I wouldn't even known about it if it hadn't been for my wife. But it's amazing to me sometimes the ability that y'all have and the job that y'all have to make things look negative or positive. There's a lot of y'all out there that we, being in the limelight, trust, okay? When that trust is discarded, when that trust is - what's the right word for it? - violated, it really makes the relationship between the media and the ones that you're interviewing questionable, whether you're going to get an honest answer. You know, I'm not going to bring up the individual's name, but you don't want to lose that trust because we all have a job to do. And you don't want to create a story just for the hell of creating a story. And I'm not going to sit here and say that I'm an angel in any way, but I do know that I'm someone that you can trust, and I think we need to be able to trust y'all, too.

MODERATOR: With that, Ward Burton, thank you.

MODERATOR: Now joining us, the highest qualifying rookie, Raybestos Rookie in the Brickyard 400. Qualified in the No. 6 position, Brian Vickers in the No. 25 GMAC Chevrolet. Not only qualified at 184.665, but he was one of the six drivers who broke the track record. Congratulations on not only being amongst those who broke last year's track record but also qualifying top six, top rookie. Take us through your qualifying.

BRIAN VICKERS: Yeah, I appreciate it. The GMAC Chevy team, all the guys did a good job all week throughout testing. We had a really good car. We entered practice a little tight - actually real tight. We made a lot of changes to help fix that. We got most of it fixed, but we were still just a little too tight to sit on the pole for the Indianapolis 400, Brickyard 400. But it was, you know, it was still a solid run for us. To come out and be the top Raybestos Rookie qualifier is really a pretty cool honor, especially here at Indianapolis. It's a neat track. It has a lot of history to it. You know, I've had a blast coming up here and being out there on the speedway and everything. It's one of those deals where it's so much that it's not really even going to hit you till the week after, I think.

MODERATOR: Obviously coming into a track like this, you want to make a good impression, you want your sponsors to be excited. But did you think you were going to be able to put a track record qualifying effort together? Also, starting where you did, when you did qualify, early cars in the qualifying realm had a bit of an advantage. Did you still feel that you guys were going to be able to put out that kind of performance this morning?

VICKERS: Yeah, you know, the team has really done a good job from the very start with qualifying. They've done a good job with -- you know, we've gotten better as the year's gone on and everything, not just qualifying, but also in the race trim. I knew we had a shot at it. You know, I felt like we even had a shot at the pole if everything went right, if we had a good draw, and the situation was right, and the car was just right. And, you know, everything was pretty close, but not just enough. You know, I think in every little category, we missed just a little bit. But that's part of it. You know, we'll learn from it, we'll come back next time. But still we're very happy with a Top 10 start. It will be good for the race and, you know, give us a good pit box as well along with a lot of other things.

MODERATOR: Even qualified ahead of a couple teammates named Gordon and Johnson, which is pretty cool, too. Questions for Brian Vickers.

Q: Funny you should ask about Gordon and Johnson because they both wanted a Top 10. Both said out on the grid that they were both hoping for a Top 10. You beat both of them. When you look at that, what are your thoughts? They said you felt like a kid in a candy store just being here this weekend, now here you beat both of them. Gordon of course is so good here. What do you think about that?

VICKERS: It's a pretty neat experience, you know, to be here. And I have been like a kid in the candy store, to be here, period. I came here so many times, whether it be for, you know, NASCAR stuff, IndyCar, Formula One stuff. I've always had a lot of respect for the racetrack, and also for my teammates, as well. To beat them in qualifying is always a lot of fun. You know, I look at my teammates like brothers. You know, you help each other. I help them and they help me in any way possible. But at the end of the day, you know, we still want to beat each other. You know, it means a lot. You know, Jeff is obviously one of the best drivers out there - if not the best on the circuit right now. You know, he's obviously probably the best at this track, you know, if you look back at track record. So that's pretty neat. Now we just got to do it again on Sunday.

Q: Brian, typically Atlanta Motor Speedway is considered the fastest track on the circuit. This looked, if not as fast, faster today. Describe what it's like to go that fast around a track that doesn't have the banking to really help you like Atlanta.

VICKERS: It's a neat experience. You know, to go -- to be traveling that fast, period, it's something that not many people will have the opportunity to do. You know, I'm fortunate to be able to do it every weekend. I love it. This track, you know, to do it here I think is even more impressive because of how flat the racetrack is. It's amazing how much banking helps our cars. You know, an IndyCar is different. They've got so much downforce already. We need all the help we can get. Plus like Atlanta, Texas, with a lot of banking, makes a tremendous difference. To be able to come here and run as fast as we do is pretty neat. And today I think you really saw, you know, the track conditions were great and the cars, the teams in general, are just getting better and better every week and every year. And that's why the speeds keep going up. But like you said, for this track to be as flat as it is, to go that fast off into a turn, it's a pretty neat experience.

Q: Being a rookie here the first year and running at this race, as big as it is, as much attrition as you see in this event, what is your strategy for this thing? Do you pick a driver like a Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, set behind them, get a feel for the track, get your pace going? What do you do for this race?

VICKERS: You know, it's probably not much different than most races. You know, there's some situations where you want to fall in behind a veteran driver and try to, you know, learn a lot. And I think that's always the case to a point. But at a place like this, you can't ride behind somebody too close for very long or you're going to get extremely tight, and then you're going to start going backwards. When you get to them, you got to pass them or you got to let them get some distance on them so you can get some good air on your car or you will eventually build up too much air pressure in the right front tire and cause problems. I think right now our focus is on practice, to get the car the best we can, and to get it turning good, to get it turning good in traffic, and then to getting clear air come Sunday, get to the front as soon as possible, at least maintain where we are until the pit stops. You know, I think we saw it last week at Pocono, you know, just track position means a lot. It always does no matter what series or what form of racing you're in, and no matter what track you are. I think track position always means a lot. But at this track in particular, it's going to mean that much more.

MODERATOR: Congratulations. Excellent effort.

VICKERS: Thank you.

Source - GM