Sauter seeks to continue ACDelco dynasty
By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive
January 20, 2002
4:01 PM EST (2101 GMT)
WELCOME, N.C. - When a gentleman of Richard Childress’ esteem beckons, people drop what they’re doing and obey. No questions asked.
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Johnny Sauter at the Busch Preview with Kevin Harvick.
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Unless, of course, they happen to be an aspiring young lead foot with a damaged racecar in dire need of repair, one that must be driven in a matter of days. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Johnny Sauter, the man who told Richard Childress to wait.
“We were doing an (American Speed Association) program and I was winning some races and leading the points, and I guess it was about August of last year I got the phone call from Will Lind, the general manager for the Busch Series (at Richard Childress Racing),” Sauter said.
“He said that Richard wanted to see me, and it was actually kind of bizarre because I was building the rear end for the ASA car and couldn’t actually make it up there to see him, didn’t have time. I was in the middle of fixing it, and told him I couldn’t make it until the following Monday.”
A rare young man, indeed. There is but a small percentage of folks who care so deeply for their ASA team.
The following Monday, Sauter ventured to Childress’ Welcome, N.C., shop and met with the legendary car owner. He walked out with a handshake and a promise -- the job was his if he so desired.
“Uh, that was a no-brainer,” said Sauter.
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Sauter will be in the famed No. 2 ACDelco ride in 2002.
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Indeed, it’s a rare opportunity. Sauter is the newest member in a storied lineage of excellence. The last three pilots of the ACDelco Chevrolet -- Steve Park, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick -- all garnered rookie of the year honors. Moreover, Earnhardt Jr. and Harvick won three of the past four NASCAR Busch Series championships.
Most drivers would feel more pressure than a Goodyear at Rockingham. Not Sauter.
“Basically, my mindset is to just go do the best job that I can,” said Sauter, who fits the mold of a Childress driver perfectly. He’s got the swagger, the confidence and the eyes filled with intensity.
“I really believe I put more pressure on myself than anybody else or any sponsor is gonna put on me. I’m gonna give it my all and do the best job I possibly can and see how it shakes out at the end of the year.”
Sauter is no stranger to excellence, mind you. This past season, the 23-year old driver won 10 races and garnered 15 top-fives in becoming the first ASA driver ever to win rookie of the year honors and the championship in the same season.
Childress has always had a knack for finding diamonds in the rough.
“By no underestimation of the deal, this is the biggest opportunity of my lifetime and the best opportunity in the Busch Series, period,” Sauter said. “The car’s had a winning tradition in the past, and hopefully I can carry on that tradition.
“I’m not sure what he saw in me, but I do know that every time I put the helmet on and sit in a racecar I’m there to win. I’m not one to be content with a fifth place finish. Whatever we can do to make the car better, to be in contention, is what I’m gonna do. I think Richard appreciates that.”
Certainly so. And he’ll be all the more appreciative if Sauter reaches the lofty goals he’s set for himself, goals that if achieved would only carry on the ACDelco dynasty.
“I think everybody has a little bit different expectations,” said Sauter through a sheepish grin. “My goal is obviously to win three to five races. My goals might be a little too high, but there’s 34 races, so you should aspire to win all 34. Obviously, the rookie of the year and to be in the hunt for the championship at the end of the year.”
And to think, two years ago the kid didn’t even have a ride.
“Basically, It’s truly remarkable. I look back two years ago and see where I’ve come today,” Sauter said.
“It’s just been the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s been a roller coaster for me. Two years ago I didn’t even have a ride and was thankful to get the ASA opportunity. Now I’m at Richard Childress. Richard Childress…I mean, I’ve truly been blessed.”
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