Football's grand event, the Super Bowl, may be over, but for the Featherlite Southwest Series, their big event is just around the bend. The 22nd annual Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway always draws a large contingent of racers from all corners of the United States.

For a lot of racers just making the show is a huge accomplishment, worth being proud of, but not for Fairfield's Jim Inglebright. He has one plan for the race, "Put the pedal to the medal".

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?
Jim Inglebright: I just like the racetrack. It's fast and fun. Any win is big but every one remembers who won the Copper.

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?
JI: We just come up with a happy medium.

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?
JI: The million dollar "Q" testing I went faster than that once (Yea I know sure you did) but I did anyway it wasn't on the lap that counted that's a good lap but it can be broken.

RW: NASCAR has a new Monte Carlo body this year (straight up). Do you feel this is an advantage on the PIR mile?
JI: I will be showing up with one on my car :)

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?
JI: To the mat from the green

RW: If you could compare Phoenix to any other track the Series races on, which one would it be?
JI: I don't feel there is a racetrack like Phoenix other than Phoenix it's just cool.

RW: What is your goal, Win? Exposure? Experience?
JI: Yea the first two.

RW: What advantages can you offer a sponsor for this race over other teams?
JI: I get around Phoenix pretty good but that's about it.

RW: What will you do now that there is no longer the Toolies/drivers get together on Thursday night before the race?
JI: What was that?

RW: Do you have any sightseeing planned during your trip to Phoenix?
JI: Just the inside of the racetrack and to and from the track.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 2/2/99