PHOENIX, AZ -- A great driver is often one that is as comfortable behind a wrench as he is behind the wheel. This is true in Ron Esau's case. At this weekend's Napa Auto Parts 100 at Phoenix International Raceway, he will be on hand to help Brendan Gaughan, driver, and Walker Evans, owner, get a better handle on the 1-mile track in the desert.

Esau and the rest of #20 The Orleans Hotel & Casino Chevrolet team will admit that they have not had the greatest finishing positions this year. Qualifying is a different story, with two top-10 efforts in as many events. This proves to Esau that they have a front running car. The trick is figuring out what the missing key is for their team and driver Brendan Gaughan.

RacingWest: What do you like the most about racing at PIR?
Ron Esau: Fast but a drivers track (not all engineering like superspeedway)

RW: On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, what would you rate PIR overall?
RE: 8.5 to 9

RW: Do you race PIR like a short-track or superspeedway?
RE: Both

RW: Have you made any special preparations for this race, like a new car or testing?
RE: Testing and New Car

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?
RE: Turns three and four is the important one!!

RW: How will your team be the "team to beat" in PIR? What's your plan of attack for this race?
RE: Have our driver finish, he always runs well till end.

RW: What's your favorite memory of you racing at PIR or racing in general at PIR?
RE: Second Place to Joe Ruttman in a Copper Classic, I would love to Drive and Win one!!!

RW: If you had the choice of racing the oval at PIR or the road-course at PIR, which would be your preference?
RE: Both, let's race both!!!

RW: Will you or your team be enjoying the sites in Phoenix, and if so, which ones?
RE: No, working only this trip except the Truck race

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/19/99