EL CAJON, CA -- Matt Crafton was last year's winner of the Coors Light 100 at Cajon Speedway. This year, he has one mission in mind. Crafton, who has been fighting the flu all week, intends to battle the track for this weekend's event in an attempt to successfully defend his title.

Last years race proved to be one of the most memorable races on the circuit. With the last few laps ending up in a tight door-handle-to-door-handle race to the checkers. Though Crafton got a little impatient, who could blame him, as the son of long-time driver Danny Crafton, scored his first victory. It was an emotional event for all at the track.

RacingWest: If you were at the Copper World, do you still have a car to race at Cajon?
Matt Crafton: yes

RW: How has your team used their "free time" with almost 2 months between races?
MC: We haven't had any free time. We have been working on the car non-stop!

RW: What do you like the most about racing at Cajon?
MC: It’s a tough track

RW: On a scale of 1 to 10 what would you rate Cajon overall?
MC: I give it about a 7.

RW: How will your team be the "team to beat" in Cajon?
MC: I have a title to defend at Cajon. It the track where I received my first win last season.

RW: Will you be excited to get back to the short tracks?
MC: Yes

RW: Will your team be using a different racecar for this short track than it did in Phoenix?
MC: No

RW: Does qualifying matter here?
MC: Yes
RW: And now just for fun, who's the best flagman of them all?
MC: Mike Manikin-he threw me the checkered flag for my first win!

RW: What NASCAR official has the best sense of humor?
MC: Danny Grill

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 3/27/99