PHOENIX, NV -- Coming off of his top-20 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ron Burns is looking to warm up in the 'Valley of the Sun'.

The next stop for Burns will be the 1-mile Phoenix International Raceway. Like Las Vegas another strong field of competitors is expected at Phoenix. Not one to back down from a challenge, Burns is ready to put his first mark in the Winston West Series win column. And what track is more fitting than a hometown track.

RacingWest: What do you like the most about racing at PIR?
Ron Burns: Racing at PIR is nice for us because we are located here, no travel, no sleeping in short beds!

RW: On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, what would you rate PIR overall?
RB: PIR seems to be one of the more difficult tracks I've run, I'd rate it a 9

RW: Do you race PIR like a short-track or super-speedway?
RB: I think of it more like a short track, even though it can bit you in a hurry like a speedway.

RW: Have you made any special preparations for this race, like a new car or testing?
RB: We were able to do a little testing last week at PIR. We didn't have the T- Bird ready, the car we intend to run, so we just got plenty of track time in the Taurus. Never got it comfortable, but we were happy with the times. Thanks to SMS Motorsports for letting us share their test.

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?
RB: It would be nice to set the car up for both ends. Last year we did pretty good. If we have trouble at one end at the expense of the other, then I favor going into turn 3 for the end I want right.

RW: If you had the choice of racing the oval at PIR or the road-course at PIR, which would be your preference?
I like the road course that was used in the 70's. It was (I think) 2.7 miles, had one long back straight that entered the infield where you now enter the pits. You were at top speed at the top of the oval and had to just turn left a little bit before you came over the oval (before you could see) or the car would be too light to steer if you waited till you could see, lots of fun. I came over the turn one time to see a green station wagon driving down the infield straight. I hit the brakes and still passed it doing at least 75 mph faster. Never could get anyone to tell me where he came from, but it wasn't a racecar.

RW: What hotels do you recommend?
RB: For hotels, the Wig Wam is by far the best in the area, with a super golf course. Its not for those on a budget, a good bet is the Holiday Express in Litchfield Park, it's close and almost new.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/17/99