NASCAR: Earnhardt to start at Brickyard

• Jack Durbin
• MNI - Motorsport News International
• Tue Jul 30 22:38:28 EDT 1996

Richard Childress had annouced that Dale Earnhardt will start the 
Brickyard 400 this Saturday.

       "I feel very fortunate," Earnhardt said. "It is a situation like 
this that makes one appreciate the high safety standards required by 
NASCAR. It also shows you what a great race car the guys at Richard 
Childress Racing built." 

       "After meeting with Dale, David (Smith) and Bobby (Hutchins) we 
decided that Dale will start the race and go to the first caution," 
Childress said. "Mike Skinner will be our relief driver, he was the 
unanimous choice by all of us. He knows our cars and setup, and we know 
his abilities." 
  
     Skinner, 38, has competed in 12 Winston Cup Series events. His 
best finish was in the GM Goodwrench 400 in February when he finished 
12th. Next year he will drive a second team for RCR alongside 
Earnhardt. 
 
      "My goal is to be consistent and keep the GM Goodwrench team in 
the points race," Skinner said. "It is an honor to relief drive for the 
biggest name in the sport. I might be able to fill the seat but I'll 
never be able to fill the shoes." 

       The plan for this week also includes Skinner driving the car for
Wednesday's opening practice and again on Friday for the final 
practice session.

   Earnhardt will qualify the car on Thursday as he keeps his focus on 
the 1996 Winston Cup Series championship. 
       
"Dale didn't even want to stay in the hospital last night but he was
convinced by his wife Teresa to stay for observation," said David 
Allen, spokesperson for Earnhardt's Champion Sports Group. "He wanted 
to come back to his shop and meet with the guys and discuss what they 
are going to do for the   next race. He's very focused, he wants to 
stay in the points race." 




Jack Durbin                                   indy500@freenet.tlh.fl.us
Motorsport News International                      jackd@motorsport.com
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