What lies within: for a closer look at the inner workings of a racing team, start at its headquarters: a body shop, engineering research center and funhouse—all on 18 wheels

Sporting News, The, July 15, 2002 by Matt Crossman

That led to a ride in the Craftsman Truck series. He won two truck races in 1998, finishing seventh in points, and was named most popular driver. Compton, 35, joined Winston Cup full-time in 2000. His Cup highlight so far is sweeping the poles last year at the two Talladega races.

Asked if he would bet the farm again, Compton hesitated. "I probably would," he says. "But I would probably think it was a lot less intelligent than I did then."--M.C.

BURTON'S BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.

Jeff Burton won the NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year award in 1994, and he has been on the fast track ever since.

Burton's four trips to victory lane and 15 top-five finishes made him a strong contender for the Winston Cup championship in 2000. And with four consecutive top-five finishes in the points race from 1997-2000, Burton was expected to be in contention for the championship at the start of the 2001 season. However, a few frustrating finishes at the beginning of the year put the team in a hole that was hard to climb out of. Yet, Burton's skill and tenacity helped him finish 10th in the points race.

Burton, an extremely analytical driver, and his crew chief are one of the more intense twosomes in the garage, breaking down their race-day strategy with the precision of an NFL coaching staff. That hands-on approach has been paying off, and Burton and his team are looking to take the No. 99 CITGO Ford Taurus to victory lane again in 2002.

JEFF BURTON: HIS ROLLER COASTER RIDE TO THE TOP.

When you're driving ovals at 200 mph, a good sense of balance is inarguably a wonderful thing to possess. Jeff Burton learned that firsthand while practicing for the 1997 CMT 300 in New Hampshire. A mysterious inner ear ailment was affecting his balance. Unable to finish the New Hampshire race, Burton set out to defeat the balance problem. Rehabilitation included trips to the local airport for high-speed driving on the runway, as well as piloting pace cars in companion races. Burton even went so far as to ride roller coasters to alleviate the condition. After a lot of hard work, he bounced back with a vengeance. And on his next visit to New Hampshire, he became the first multiple winner at the track. That's determination. That's Team Ford Racing.

Take a Thrill Ride with Ford Racing This Weekend in Joliet.

Log on to www.fordracing.com

E-mail associate editor Matt Croosman at mcrossman@sportingnews.com.