GREENWOOD, NE - When the 2002 season started Blake Feese wasn't sure how many Pennzoil World of Outlaws shows he would compete in. After a motor problem ended his run at the USAC Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year, the Saybrook, IL 20 year-old has found himself racing with the Outlaws more often.

"Our goals have changed a little since the deal with our USAC ride has gone a different direction," said Feese. "We know the equipment we are using will keep us competitive with the Outlaws. I've felt good running this car no matter where we've been with the Outlaws and with the All-Stars at Eldora."

The early season has gone well for Feese, who already has claimed his first career All-Star feature win at Eldora Speedway on April 6. He also finished eighth at Pevely with the Outlaws in March and 12^th last weekend at Knoxville Raceway. Feese, who drives his family-owned #1f Weld Wheels Maxim, could have stayed closer to home and raced with the WoO Gumout Series, but opted for the eight-hour tow to Nebraska.

"We certainly could have stayed home this weekend and raced with the Gumout guys at LaSalle on Saturday," continued Feese. "That would only have given us one night of racing, and sure people might think we would have a better chance of winning there. Honestly though, I've never felt as comfortable as I do now running with the Outlaws. This Maxim and Don Ott motor have been a great combination, and my dad and I are really clicking on getting the car set up."

Feese also has a liking to the fast half-mile track in the plains of Nebraska. "I-80, or Nebraska Raceway Park, is one of my favorite tracks. It's a high-speed place where you can run up on the cushion. We finished 12^th there last fall with the Outlaws there, and I know we'll be better this weekend."

The schedule for the remainder of the 2002 season is up for grabs for Feese, but he knows one thing for sure.

"The more chances I get to race with the best, the better racer I'll become."