Kris Johnson: Boris still living the ‘dream’ but part-time duty poses challenge
By Kris Johnson - Associate Editor
Sunday, April 20, 2008
- TEXT SIZE: Increase Text Size Decrease Text Size Reset Text Size
- No Comments. Leave a Comment
- Digg This
- Add to Del.icio.us
- RSS Feeds
Latest Headlines
COMMENTARY
Just how good could Boris Said be if he had a regular ride in NASCAR?
Said would love to find out, of course, but for now he’ll have to make good in spot duty again during today’s Nationwide Series race in Mexico City.
Competing for Team Rensi and with his No Fear Racing crew chief Frank Stoddard, Said returns to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in search of his first series victory.
The good news? He’s had three top-five finishes on the road course including a third-place run last year.
Now, just like with those coveted Nationwide and Cup starts, he wants more.
“I feel good about Mexico. I have a pole from the race, and I’ve always run good there. I think it’s been my best chance to win a race every year. And I think this year will be our best chance ever,” he said.
Competing only on occasion does put Said at a disadvantage, but in that situation there is never a reason to run for anything less than the trophy.
“It’s still hard to drive only once a month and be as sharp as the other guys who are out there every weekend, but I think we can [win],” Said said. “We’re going to the race with one goal in mind: To win. I’d rather throw it off the road at the end of the race and try to win than drive around and finish in fifth.”
Said’s No Fear Racing team will return to Cup competition this summer at Infineon Raceway and Daytona, where he’s endured his share of disappointment. Most recently, Said failed to gain entry into this year’s Daytona 500 when John Andretti passed David Reutimann on the last lap of the second Gatorade Duel to snatch the last available spot. Said acknowledged thoughts of giving up on his dream of competing full time in NASCAR.
“That was the most depressing time of my entire racing career, so far,” he said. “To drive my motorhome out of Daytona two days early was both disappointing and embarrassing for me. … I left Daytona feeling like it was almost impossible for a part-time team or a driver who just does this once in a while to get it.”
“You feel like quitting, but 10 minutes later the feeling comes back that you want to go to the next race. I mean it’s hard to watch the races every weekend and be waiting for another chance to race yourself.”
The present state of the economy means sponsorship dollars are even harder to come by, so Said will likely have to make do with a handful of Cup race weekends once again this season. That won’t allow for much continuity where performance is concerned, but if nothing else, it does keep his dream alive.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Boris Said
No Comments
Be the first to comment on "Kris Johnson: Boris still living the ‘dream’ but part-time duty poses challenge". Login or sign up for a free account below to post your comment