What is the secret to winning championships?
John Metcalf thinks he knows the answer.

Metcalf, who finished fifth in last years Featherlite Southwest Series driver championship standings, feels that the key to a championship lies not only in the driver but in the crew. He says that having a crew that never loses site of the primary goal and can work as a group can accomplish any task set forth.

RacingWest: What are your goals for the 1999 season?
John Metcalf: My goal is to run for Rookie of the Year for the Winston West Series. I also plan to finish in the top 5 in the point standings.

RW: Any new announcements with regards to sponsors, new paint jobs, new crew, etc.?
JM: I have a new paint scheme on my car this year, which is red and white. It looks really sharp and I am happy with it. We have a new crewmember Joe Fiorelli from Cheyenne, WY. He brings with him 23 years of experience racing. He was part of our volunteer crew and now he has come on board with us full time. He will be a great asset to this team.

RW: What did you learn from last year that will be most helpful to you this season?
JM: With our adversity of mechanical problems last year, our team held together and we were still able to pull out a top 5 finish. Having a good team that stick together through the ups and downs and never gives up is the key to success.

RW: Will you be participating in any other series this year where your fans may go to watch your race?
JM: Yes, I plan race a couple of the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour series races this year. I will plan on racing at Tucson Raceway Park, Colorado National Speedway, and Phoenix International Raceway. I am excited because I will be racing an ARCA race at Daytona Int. Speedway on Feb. 7. December 18-20. I practiced at Daytona International Speedway and I tested in the top 1/3 of the field in my first Daytona visit. [Out of 39 test drivers Metcalf had the 14th fastest lap with a time of 49.07/183.411 mph. The fastest time was 47.57/189.190 mph.]

RW: What is the best part about going to Tucson?
JM: I love the trace track at Tucson Raceway Park and the fans are always great support. I have run well there in the past in the Featherlite Southwest Tour Series with a near win in 1997 until a controversial flag cost me the race. I intend to do well there this weekend and hopefully reclaim a victory.

RW: Is there any rule you would like to see added or removed from the Series?
JM: No

RW: Did you make a New Years Resolution?
JM: I want to be a top contender in the Winston West Series this year.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 1/13/99