FONTANA, CA --Joe Bean is looking at the big picture this weekend. His main focus this has been preparing for the California 200. The team didn't worry about qualifying. They know that they will have a strong motor for the race. Also with this race being 100 laps gives the team plenty of time to make their move to the front. Another secret the team has is a great group of guys that are all working towards the same goal.

RacingWest: What do you like about the California Speedway?
Joe Bean: It's like the Taj Mahal, state of the art, and all the amenities.

RW: What do you dislike about the California Speedway?
JB: We haven't been in the winner's circle yet.

RW: What time do you think it will take to make the show at California?
JB: Probably high 42.00's

RW: Since the Winston West is running the same weekend as the Busch and Cup series, there may be some drivers from those series cross over and run with the Winston West. What is your position on these drivers from other series racing with the Winston West?
JB: it's good to race with these guys but I think it's the same problem that they are having with Busch. These guys swoop in anytime there is a big purse and take all our money.

RW: Fontana is the fastest track on the WW circuit. Do you feel that your team will have the horsepower to run up front?
JB: We have the best engine program out here on the West Coast!

RW: It will probably be quite warm at Fontana what do you do as a driver to prepare your self for the heat and fatigue of running under those kind of conditions?
JB: I am one tough guy.

RW: Does your team have a good down force car ready for Fontana?
JB: We have a brand new Laughlin downforce car, but we are having real good success with our intermediate car. This is the car that we have tested extensively with and feel good about taking it to Fontana.

RW: Has your team been practicing pitstops? If so how is their progress coming?
JB: With 20 laps to go at Phoenix we were the only car on new tires and were making a run to the front. This was because we had an excellent pit stop. This crew won a couple of races last year and is even better this year.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 4/30/99