John Metcalf is hoping to make up some ground on the Sears Point Raceway Rookie-of-the-Year battle. He will have a chance this weekend as the Winston West Series enters Phoenix International Raceway for the Napa Auto Parts 100. With the information gathered at a recent test session and having a newly acquired car, the RE/MAX International Team is well on their way of reaching their goals.

RacingWest: What do you like the most about racing at PIR?
John Metcalf: I like racing on the larger race tracks because I enjoy the high speeds!

RW: On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, what would you rate PIR overall?
JM: I would rate PIR as a 9 in difficulty because the track is hard to figure out because the track is flat and fast.

RW: Do you race PIR like a short-track or superspeedway?
JM: I run the track like a short-track because of turn one, you have to slow the car down with the brakes, which is similar to a short track.

RW: Have you made any special preparations for this race, like a new car or testing?
JM: We went down to Phoenix and had a full day of testing. I think we have a good set up and we are ready for 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?
JM: We set up for turns 3 & 4 because you can make up so much more time than in turns 1 & 2.

RW: How will your team be the "team to beat" in PIR? What's your plan of attack for this race?
JM: I have a new car from Hendricks Motorsports that is set up great. As far as driving, I plan to be aggressive and qualify in the front so I can avoid the wreck and stay out of trouble. Those wrecks in the back have hurt me in prior races, so I need to stay up front.

RW: What's your favorite memory of you racing at PIR or racing in general at PIR?
JM: The fans have always been good to us and it has always been one of my favorite places to race.

RW: If you had the choice of racing the oval at PIR or the road-course at PIR, which would be your preference?
JM: I prefer the oval at PIR.

RW: Do you have any new sponsors or team members you'll be introducing at Phoenix?
JM: No

RW: Will you or your team be enjoying the sites in Phoenix, and if so, which ones?
JM: Owner and driver Dave Liniger is fond of taking the crew sky diving. The whole crew has gone 3 times. Dave Linger takes us toto Skydive Arizona outside Phoenix. We do not have time to go this race, but we are sure to go again sometime. It is great thrill!!!! A little different than race car driving.

RW: What hotels do you recommend?
JM: We always stay at the Hilton Suites in Phoenix. We like them because they are close the track and it has very nice accommodations.

RW: What NASCAR official has the best sense of humor?
JM: We are fond of Steve Witz. We call him "Louie". He is always smiling and likes to crack of a joke. He is very funny and we like him around.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/19/99