The Valvoline Taurus has started the field the last two years
in a row in this event at the North Carolina Speedway, and
the driver wants to continue that streak this Friday when
qualifying takes place for the Pop Secret 400."I sure would like to be part of the Bud Shootout again this year," said Mark. "Not just because I've been in it every year since 1989, but because it is some extra practice time at Daytona. We can always use extra time at the first race of the year."
Not many drivers have enjoyed success at The Rock like the Batesville, Arkansas native has. In the past sixteen races at the track he has only two finishes out of the top 10. That alone is a staggering feat, but Mark has also found the same success in his Busch car as well. During his "Farewell Tour" from the Busch series, he started and finished in the top spot in the February race.
"I'd really like to win there one more time before the Winn-Dixie team ends," Mark said. "I've won 11 races there so far and the guys want to make it an even dozen. I won't be coming back anytime soon to go for a baker's dozen if we win this weekend."
Another streak he would like to continue is his record of 11 straight years of finishing in the top six in points. Since 1989, Mark's consistency in the points is unparalleled. Among active drivers, Dale Earnhardt is second with eight top-six finishes and Rusty Wallace is third with six.
The 2000 campaign started off well for Mark but the summer months found the six team struggling. In a ten race span they recorded five finishes of 32nd or worse, destroying their title chances. But another top six finish isn't out the question. Coming into Rockingham he's only 65 points behind Tony Stewart for 6th and 103 out of 5th place, currently held by Ricky Rudd.
Sunday's race at Rockingham should give the team an opportunity to make a move in the points. They are bringing the same car that they ran at Darlington in September. In that race, they led 29 laps and looked to be in position for a strong finish. But the rains came after he had made his final pit stop and they finished 14th.
"This is a good car," Mark said. "It was one of my favorites when it was brand new, but we wrecked it in The Winston the first time we raced it. We rebuilt it and brought it back to Michigan in August and then Darlington. I'm hoping it will be strong this weekend since I really want to get back to Victory Lane again. It's been too long in the Winston Cup car."
