Darrell LaMoure runs well at several tracks, but perhaps one of his best runs was at Mesa Marin. Lap after lap LaMoure led the field around. Fans held their breath, could this be his first win? But it wasn't LaMoure's night.

A racing incident found him making his way in and out of the pits and LaMoure went laps down.

He has however proved he can be competitive at the track. Roger LaMoure, car owner and Darrell's father, thinks the secret to a good finish may be tires and keeping the driver cool in the driver's seat.

On May 24th Roger and Joanne LaMoure celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Congratulations! Now on to the questions answered by Roger LaMoure himself.

Below Roger LaMoure answers the questions.

Team: Desert Thunder Motorsports
Car #: 17k
Driver: Darrell LaMoure
Owner: Roger & Joanne LaMoure
Name/Position of person completing this form: Owner, Roger LaMoure

RacingWest: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
Roger LaMoure: Memories of good times, both on and off the track.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks? Why or why not?
RL: I think so, they offer us the most races in a season. Having a lot of laps there we can assure ourselves of a good show.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track? What do you think it will take to stay up front?
RL: Tires! We haven't figured out these Chili tires. The one with the best tire program at the end wins.

RW: On every lap it seems that the cars bottom out exiting 2 and entering 3, why does this happen and does it upset the handling of the cars?
RL: Naturally the cars bottom out due to the track layout and top end speeds entering the corners. Bottom grove will always be fastest, until they resurface it and remove some of the flatness. The top has lost its grip for the most part.

RW: Years ago there were two distinctive grooves, the last few races it didn't look as if there was anymore. Can you do something to make your car work on the top and if so what?
RL: That is the question, Kanke seemed to have an idea how to make it work, we are still thinking on it, smooth is the only way you can get the cars to stick up there

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
RL: Corner speed equates to total speed and lap times. I have noticed most cars have a push in the middle of the corners, the team that removes the push will be the fastest, but for how long and is it driver or car handling?

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
RL: I think at these speeds every little thing helps from the half-mile to the big tracks. The bodies are built to meet the rulebook; it's our job to take it to the limit of the rule.

RW: How would you like to improve on your last finish at Mesa Marin, what will you do differently this time to improve your finish?
RL: Find the outside groove hopefully. Keep Darrell cool in the seat (like anyone can keep his or her driver under control). You know what happened last time there. Two lane restarts and lap cars? Last couple of attempts at Mesa we have had a good car, well see.

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
RL: Victory Circle is our choice.

RW: What will be the hardest part about setting the car up for this track and do you see any problems getting it through tech?
RL: Tires have killed us so far this year. No problems with tech if you read the rules and follow the guidelines.

RW: What was the first event you ever entered at Mesa Marin? Do you remember where you finished?
RL: 3rd in the b-main about 5 years ago. As we look back, we should have started our asphalt racing at Tucson Raceway Park for a year or so.

RW: Do you have any other comments for the fans about the track, race or weekend? Or where they can find you for autographs?
RL: We love the race fans at Bakersfield, they come out in the weather and always seem happy to see the tour guys run.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 5/26/99