You can't blame the circumstances. Irwin, born in Indianapolis and a Charlotte resident, was not married and did not have children. Irwin was also the 1998 Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year. During yesterday's practice session, Irwin was driving at over 130 MPH as he entered Turn 3. They said the track can change, turning to slippery in the afternoon when it was fine in the morning.
Forward bite is always an issue there too - trying to get the car to go forward.
So it's hard to get up off the corners. But the drivers said the track conditions yesterday were good. The drivers hurtle down the front and back straightaways, then slam on the brakes as they approach the track's tight corners. According to Rusty Wallace, who set a new track record en route to winning yesterday's qualifying session, there's a large bump on the track just before Turn 3. And just about the time you're ready to get off the brakes, you're going flying over the bump.