Nick Joanides made quite an impression on the fans at the NASCAR Southwest Series Season opener at Tucson. Starting from the 17th position Joanides would find himself on a wild ride as he moved his way to a top five and then contact from another car sent him into a spin. But before the sun set in the West, Joanides came home with a top-ten, was the highest finishing rookie and was fourth in points the regular contention.

Find out what this years current leader in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series rookie of the year standings has to say about the upcoming Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway this February 7th.

RacingWest: What's your favorite part about racing at the Copper Classic and what significance does the Copper World Classic have in your career as a driver?
Nick Joanides: This will be our first race at the Copper Classic, so I'll have to answer that after the race!

RW: Considering that PIR has two distinctly different corners, which do you, set your car up for to be the best you can or can you get both?
NJ: We'll try to get the car to handle in both corners. Jackson Race Cars did a great job with the car at the October race, so hopefully it will be close.

RW: Track record being a 27.386 held by Hornaday from the 1995 CWC, do you feel that this record will go down this year and how will you do it?

NJ: Not with the new tires that we have, it looks like Ron will get to hang on the record for a while longer.

RW: NASCAR has a new Monte Carlo body this year (straight up). Do you feel this is an advantage on the PIR mile?
NJ: NASCAR is not making us change the bodies until we choose to or we tear enough panels off the car, so I haven't seen the new body yet.

RW: Since this is only a 50-lap race, will it be 50 flat out or will you have to conserve the car a little?
NJ: Don’t have too much time to conserve, but you cant win if you don’t finish!!

RW: If you could compare Phoenix to any other track the Series races on, which one would it be?
NJ: Turn 3 and 4 is similar to turn 8 and 9 at Willow Springs, just in the other direction.

RW: What is your goal, Win? Exposure? Experience?
NJ: Try to get a top 5 or 10 finish and gain experience on the superspeedway.

RW: Do you have any sightseeing planned during your trip to Phoenix?

NJ: Not yet. We should have plenty of time in the four days, so if anyone has any suggestions!!

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 2/1/99