Amick Determined to Stay a 'Gentleman'

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 27)- If you ask driver Lyndon Amick's opinion on the subject of passing during caution periods, be prepared to get an earful. The pilot of the No. 35 SCANA/Powertel Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division has very definite opinions on the matter.

"It's just wrong," Amick believes. "I feel like it's too dangerous, and again, it's supposed to be a 'gentleman's agreement'."

Going into Charlotte this weekend, the subject of the "gentleman's agreement" has been on many drivers' minds during the past few week. The discussion has been revisited as a result of passes made under caution in last week's First Union 200. One major reason Amick cites for staying in line during cautions is that it gives competitors one less thing to have to focus on.

"It's hard enough to get slowed down and maintain your position without having to worry about some guy behind you wanting to race you back to the start/finish line," explains Amick. "You shouldn't have to deal with that. If caution's out, slow down and stay where you're at."

The problem, Amick believes, does not lie with the rookie drivers, as some might think. He feels that some drivers with more years in the series are the ones to watch out for.

"These guys who have been in the series for awhile and think they're veterans don't seem to care. They just blow on by you like it's no big deal," says Amick. "Some of them will take your positions while you're backed off the throttle. I just don't think it's a very smart way to race."

When asked to respond to criticism that he also raced back to the flag during cautions at Nazareth, Amick bristles. "I did what I had to do," Amick replies firmly, "but it doesn't make it right. I had no intentions of doing that until I got passed by two or three other cars during one caution." Amick says his aggressive tactics were just a case of self-defense in an attempt to keep his spot in the field. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep my place on the track, period," he says, then quickly adds, "It's still not a very wise thing to do."

Amick and his competition will get their next chance to prove their status as "gentleman" this Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, at the Carquest Auto Parts 300.

Be sure to visit one of most exciting racing websites on the Internet at www.lyndonamick.com.