Charlotte, NC - Lowe's Motor Speedway proved to be one of the best tracks for Mike Bliss and the #20 team during the 2003 season. After recording two top five finishes last year, the team eagerly awaited the famous 1.5 mile track to help get the season back on track. After a decent qualifying effort, a poor handling race car and some other trouble created a challenging race day for the #20 team.

Starting in the 11th position, race day conditions were much different from the day of their final practice. Immediately from the drop of the green flag, the team knew that the #20 Chevrolet was going to need some major adjustments if they wanted to be a factor in the race. During the first several caution periods, Crew Chief Steve Addington brought Bliss down pit road for numerous changes to the car in an effort to tighten the car up.

"We knew how we were running and we were about a 20th place car," commented Steve Addington following the race. " Charlotte is such a long race, that you are better to use the cautions to get your car handling well and work your way to the front with something competitive. The only concern you have is the patience of other drivers as you work your way up to the front."

It did not take long to see that take place. During a restart on lap 109, disaster struck for the #20 car as contact from another car forced the fender to cut down the front right tire. Bliss was forced to pit for tires under the green flag and returned to the competition one lap down to the leaders. When the caution flag flew five laps later, Bliss was the first car one lap down and the recipient of the free pass to return to the lead lap.

With the lap back and the restart from caution approaching, it did not take trouble long to find Bliss again. This time coming off turn four, Bliss was forced to check up for a loose car in front of him when he received contact from the #47 car. Bliss made a spectacular save as his car when sliding through the infield. Bliss was able to regain control and remain on the lead lap. Following a caution for a separate incident on the track, Bliss made his final pit stop of the day. The car looked better as he was able to climb up to the 12th position, before the car became extremely tight and forced Bliss to a 16th place finish.

"We just never got the handle on the car today," said Bliss. " It seemed when it was cloudy the car was o.k., but as soon as the sun popped out it became extremely loose. Our 1.5 mile program has really struggled so far this year. We have tried a bunch of stuff that we have learned from the wind tunnel, it just doesn't seem to help it much. But don't worry, we are staying after it; there is no quit in this team."