The Buzz: October 25, 2001

October 25, 2001
7:32 PM EDT (2332 GMT)

If you think NASCAR Busch Series championship leader Kevin Harvick is gonna roll over and run for points at Phoenix International Raceway in Saturday’s Outback Steakhouse 200, think again.

Harvick needs only an average finish of 15th over the last three races to clinch the championship but the racer whose middle name has virtually become “Attitude” this season through his on- and off-track spats has no plans to stroke.

"We're in a pretty good position right now," Harvick said, "but we're still doing what we have been all year long. This race is far from over. We're approaching this weekend with an aggressive mindset and we're going out to win the race.

“There is no sense in driving defensively now. When you put the prevent-defense on (in football), you get away from what made you successful in the first place. If we start racing defensively I think we'd cause more problems for ourselves. I would love to win Phoenix, but I also would love a top-five. These ACDelco guys have worked hard over the last two years and I'd love to see them get what they deserve."

BICKLE TO TEST WITH BAM

Rich Bickle will be testing with BAM Racing next Monday and Tuesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The new owners of the team has purchased some Winston Cup Chevrolet bodies and motors from Hendrick Motorsports.

If all goes well with the No. 49 team during the test on the 1.5-mile oval, look for them to enter the upcoming Winston Cup event there.

Bickle began the year with the No. 59 Chevrolet team in the Busch Series, but was released last month. He also qualified for the No. 50 Chevrolet team for the Cup race at Indy and the No. 4 Chevrolet team at Martinsville.

NAPA RETURNS TO TRUCKS

NAPA is back in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The auto parts giant, which sponsored Ron Hornaday in the Craftsman Truck Series from 1996 to 1999, will sponsor Orleans Racing's Dodges in 2002. Brendan Gaughan, the 2000 Winston West champion, will be the driver.

The team currently runs the No. 62 in the Craftsman Truck Series but has not settled on a number for next season.