2004
David Green: The Once and Future Champion
By Robin Ervin
This is a story about second chances and overcoming odds to live your dreams.
Life doesn't offer many second chances and many who receive them aren't always prepared to take full advantage of them. It takes more patience, persistence, courage and talent to climb back to the top of your game than it did the first time when you didn't know any better. This is one of the reasons why true comebacks are so rare.
David Green knows all about this kind of struggle although you wouldn't know it to look at him. He walks through the garage area with the calm fluid style of a guy who feels no stress. He smiles easily and though his day is hectic, he is quick to greet any fan that approaches him with a brilliant smile and a ready pen to sign autographs for them.
To see Green in the garage area today you would never know that last year he was an unemployed racer, considered by many to be past his prime. He has the air of a man who is supremely content and at ease with his place in the world but Green knows the despair of sitting on the sidelines, of being on the outside looking in. David Green was at the top of his game as a Busch Series regular in the 90's but after a lackluster three-year stint in the Cup Series, many people in the garage area thought his best years were behind him and he was labeled as a veteran past his prime.
Now in 2003, Green finds himself in the midst of the tightest points battle in Busch Series history and after the stellar season he has put together in the Brewco ride this year it would be easy for some to overlook that the year before he was without a ride. Green gamely hung around the garage area, spotting for teams, helped out where he could and generally keeping himself visible, looking, hoping for someone to give him a ride.
Finally towards the end of the 2002 season his second chance appeared in the form of Ricky Hendrick and #5 Henrick Racing team. Luck comes to those who are prepared for it and Green made the most of it by posting three top five finishes out of six races. This drew the notice of BREWCO Motorsports, who were looking for a seasoned driver for their #37 car.
At Dover's September race I spoke with David Green about his comeback year. Here is what he had to say.
RE:You posted impressive results with the #5 car. How did you keep yourself mentally focused and physically ready so you could make the most of this opportunity? How did your family help you?
Green: After driving the #5 car, I knew that I was NOT washed up like some said & at that point it was easy to get focused & prepared for 2003. I knew Team Brewco had the same goals as I did & they had shown that their team was just as good as the #5 team. Team Brewco was the perfect fit for me & I am SO PROUD to be their driver in 2003 & 2004.
RE::You never gave up hope you would find a new ride, did this determination come from your early racing years?.
Green: Every
bit of it, plus my faith that the good Lord would put me in the position he
wanted me in. I had faith in my abilities and I knew I could win races &
another Championship if I could get with the right Team
RE: You were good out of the box in 2003. Does your
knowledge of chassis setup help you communicate with the team and your team
chief?
Green: It's was a Huge Plus,
but my Team led by Jason Ratcliff & Stewart Cooper had done all the
groundwork with our cars before we ever got to DAYTONA ! Maybe where my
experience helped was in the transition with the Team in having a new driver
and at same time we had a new body style with the 2003 Pontiac. The Team had
their program right on track for a championship year already. so I feel like
I've just been able to step right in and drive the cars to the best of my
abilities.
RE: You built BGN chassis for Bobby Labonte in the early
90's, Do you try to stay on top of the latest technology and how much do you get
a chance to help out at the shop.
Green: Yes I try, but
with Jason Ratcliff (crew chief) & Stewart Cooper (car chief)
I have the two best chassis guys in the business and I'm so glad they are
on my Team. I still try to stay updated on stuff so I can help communicate
information about the cars handling to Jason & the guys. I visit the shop once
a month if not a little more when our races have us in the Kentucky area. The
guys don't let me get too many tools in my hands ! Just joking ... but
seriously I still love to hang out with my Team and everyone at the shop.
RE: What are your thoughts on perhaps getting a second title. Will this one be sweeter than your first championship in 1994.
Green:
Absolutely . After spending last year on the sidelines looking in without a full
time ride ..... A 2nd Title would be such a Blessing for my Family and I. As I
approached this (2003) season all I wanted to do was be competitive and do a
good job for my new Brewco (Timberwolf) Team. The fact that a lot of owners &
my peers had written me off … it gives me such a huge feeling inside. But more
than anything ..... it'll make me feel good for my Team .... my best friends in
the world who are always there
thru thick & thin !
RE:What goals or plans do you have for the future?
Green: To win more Busch races here in 2003 & to win the 2003 Championship for Team Brewco & Timberwolf. I want to be a part of Team Brewco for years to come. Team Brewco with my owners, Clarence & Tammy Brewer, Timber wolf & all my team members have saved my career & it's my goal to get them their 1st Championship!
My goals for 2004 -- winning races & having a shot at 2004 championship as well.
Plus, Whenever that day comes and I hang up my helmet ..... I want to help guide a young driver toward being a Nascar Champion !