Bayne set to challenge big names at Chicagoland race
JOLIET — Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne is ready to go racing.
The 20-year-old Bayne said Friday he feels fine and his goal Saturday night in the STP 300, a Nationwide series event at Chicagoland Speedway, is simple: to win the race.
Bayne hasn't competed since April 23 after fighting a mysterious illness. And even though he spent time at the Mayo Clinic, doctors weren't sure of the causes of the inflammatory condition. Symptoms included impaired vision and initially some numbness in his arm.
“I have no fears or worries or anything,” Bayne said. “I feel 100 percent and in the car I feel fine. I think this weekend will be a good test for that.”
The field for the Nationwide race includes Sprint Cup veterans Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards, along with Danica Patrick, who is making her own return to stock cars from open wheel racing. She was 10th in last weekend's Indianapolis 500.
In addition to the STP 300 (7 p.m. ESPN), the track will host the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 ARCA Racing Series (5 p.m.) on Saturday.
Bayne said his mind has been on racing since he was sidelined. He said watching his crew work with other drivers last week at Charlotte helped him see his sport from a different angle.
“I have a new perspective on everything,” he said.
“It's no more of a desire to win, but it's a different kind of desire and more appreciation for what we get to do and how fortunate we are,” he said. “I think coming back this weekend is a less stressed-out Trevor Bayne, but still one that wants to win really bad.”
Patrick will be competing in a NASCAR race for the first time since March 19.
“I guess whenever I'm running one series I always get a little bit nervous about jumping back into the other car just because it's a different feeling,” she said before practice Friday.
“It really comes down to how the car feels itself and getting used to a slightly different seating position. But other than that it's like riding a bike.”
She reiterated Friday what she said earlier in the week: No decision has been made on whether she will make a switch and devote most of her time to NASCAR.
“There's no announcement today and there probably won't be for many months,” she said. “It's just the kind of thing that takes a lot of time. I don't really know exactly what's going on at this point. I've just been told to do my job in the race car and drive as fast as I can and get the best results that I can possibility get. And that only helps things.
“Traditionally for me these contracts don't get announced until after the season ends.”
Grand marshal:Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije will be the grand marshal for the STP 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday.#8220;I'm honored to be a part of the pre-race ceremonies for the STP 300,#8221; said Idonije. #8220;To say the coveted words #8216;drivers start your engines' is very exciting, and I'm looking forward to taking in all the racing action this Saturday.#8221; Idonije has been with the Bears for six seasons and was named one of three finalists in the NFL this year for the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. He was also the 2010 Ed Block Courage Award recipient, awarding NFL players based on sportsmanship, courage and role models of inspiration.STP also donated a pair of tickets to 18 deserving servicemen and women from the Marines and National Guard who will be behind the wheels of the Toyota Tundra's during driver introductions.Last season's American Idol runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, will perform the national anthem, and following the night race under the lights will be a concert from multiplatinum selling rock band Puddle of Mudd. Also performing throughout the afternoon in Champions Park are local Chicago bands 7th Heaven and Infinity. To purchase tickets for the races, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com or call 1-888-629-RACE (7223).CAR40002997Trevor Bayne, the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, smiles as he listens to questions during a news conference before practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.Associated PressCARNO SALES16982064Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije will be the grand marshal this weekend at the Chicagoland Speedway.JOHN STARKS/jstarks@dailyherald.comNO SALESCAR40002380Danica Patrick returns to NASCAR this weekend for the Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. She finished 10th at the Indy 500.Associated PressCAR