PHOENIX, AZ -- Mike Chase's 1999 Winston West Series season has gotten off to a great start. He currently sits second in the series' championship point standings, just eight points behind Brandon Ash. Though the season is still young, Chase already has his eye on a second series' crown. He will face a tough field of competitors at Phoenix International Raceway.

RW: What do you like the most about racing at PIR?
MC: The high speed for a mile track and springtime in the desert.

RW: On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, what would you rate PIR overall?
MC: #7

RW: Do you race PIR like a short-track or superspeedway?
MC: Short Track!

RW: Have you made any special preparations for this race, like a new car or testing?
MC: We didn't test because we felt the team would have more time to get organized. 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?
MC: We set the car up for turn 3-4 because in my opinion that is the key to Victory-of course you know how opinions go! RW: How will your team be the "team to beat" in PIR? What's your plan of attack for this race?
MC: We have a great team with a good crew chief that has a lot of experience. Try to qualify well, stay up front, good pit stops.

RW: What's your favorite memory of you racing at PIR or racing in general at PIR?
MC: Setting a new track record in 1989 in the S/W tour race. Making all of the Winston Cup Races that we entered. Also racing with A.J. Foyt was great!

RW: If you had the choice of racing the oval at PIR or the road-course at PIR, which would be your preference?
MC: The Oval

RW: Do you have any new sponsors or team members you'll be introducing at Phoenix?
MC: Not at this time

RW: Will you or your team be enjoying the sights in Phoenix, and if so, which ones?
MC: The only sights we see is the motel, T-bones and the great racetrack.

RW: What hotels do you recommend?
MC: The ones close to the race track if you can find one. P. S. try out by the Airport.

RW: What NASCAR official has the best sense of humor?
MC: Gib Repass

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/25/99