To better understand a driver's point of view, crew chiefs often get behind the wheel themselves or are racers turned crew chiefs, but Sammy Potashnick's case is different. His crew chief, Bobby Dotter, will be competing against Potashnick in a team car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Potashnick will be behind the #65 and Dotter will race the #56.

With a top-10 at Tucson, Potashnick is eager to rekindle the magic that he seems to posses at Las Vegas. Having won a pole in his first appearance at the track it is obvious that he took an immediate liking to the facility, the only thing that is left for him to do is to win!

RacingWest: What's your favorite part about racing at the Vegas Motor Speedway and why?
Sammy Potashnick: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one my favorite tracks because its a 1 1/2 mile track and the track is wide and easy to pass.

RW: How do you as a driver feel about the greater speeds involved with the big tracks?
SP: I personally don’t notice the speed on the larger tracks, but on the short tracks, I feel like I'm flying.

RW: How much input do you as a driver give your crew chief as far as changes that need to be made on the chassis?
SP: My crew chief Bobby Dotter and I talk constantly on and off the track.

RW: How do you feel your shock program will stack up against the other teams?
SP: I feel my shocks are pretty good. In three races at LVS I have 2 top 5 qualifying efforts.

RW: Is the transition from Bias ply tires used on the short tracks to the radials used on the speedways a difficult one for you?
SP: No

RW: Which tire (Bias ply or Radial) are you most comfortable racing with and why?
SP: Radial, For my style of driving they stick better coming off corners.

RW: What tire do you plan to use at the Vegas race, Hoosier or Goodyear?
SP: Goodyear

RW: With the chance of ARCA drivers, or drivers from other divisions, will that change your driving style when you are racing with them?
SP: No

RW: With Winston Cup and Busch car owners watching the race and possibly scouting, will you change your driving style to "show off" for the car owners?
SP: No

RW: What is your goal, Win? Exposure? Experience?
SP: All three

RW: Will you be doing any appearances for the fans at Vegas, if so where can they find you?
SP: I would, but I don't have a sponsor. I was very disappointed when I learned this race was not scheduled for any TV coverage. For those trying to get sponsorship, that was big blow. Even delayed viewing would have helped.

Source: Clark Racing
Posted: 3/2/99