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Sunday, March 04, 2001

Compiled by Chris Dolack

Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Steve Park won his second career Winston Cup race Monday. He answered questions on a conference call Tuesday:

Steve Park

Q: What has the quick start meant to DEI?

A: We really know that Dale's proud. Physically he's not here to enjoy it with us, but spiritually we know that he's looking down upon us and giving us the support that we need. It's just been an incredible vision that him and his wife Teresa had to start not only one Winston Cup team but to end up with three and make them all winners like they have. That's a pretty huge accomplishment in this era of NASCAR Winston Cup. I think that Teresa and Dale Jr. are carrying on with the vision that Dale had of developing an organization that's capable of winning races.

Q: Will someone like Jeff Gordon be able replace Earnhardt in NASCAR?

A: I don't think anyone's going to be able to step into that role. Dale was a very unique individual, not only in the garage area, but also away from the garage. I couldn't picture anyone filling those shoes. Jeff Gordon is a young, talented guy who has taken a different approach to helping NASCAR grow. It's guys like him, and a lot of these young guys who are coming up behind me, who are going to change the face of NASCAR over the next 10 years.

Q: Is there any talk among the drivers letting up on the track in an effort to be more safe?

A: We're doing what we're paid to do, and that's go out there and compete and try to win for our team and our sponsors. We're well aware this isn't the safest sport or safest activity we're doing. We try to limit the risk of injury by building some of the safest race cars and having some of the best safety equipment inside those cars. How safe can you make auto racing? I don't think anyone knows. I think NASCAR does a great job. The guys that build my car make it paramount that we build some of the safest cars and use the latest safety equipment that's available to us.