BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Joe Bean is a proven winner at Mesa Marin winning the Car Quest 250 NASCAR Winston West event back in August of 1996. But since collecting the trophy at that race he has had more ups and downs than just about any driver out there.

Things looked bright for Bean when in 1997 he was picked up as a driver for Raymond Claridge and was driving the team car to Sean Woodside. The season opener saw both of Claridge's cars collected at the same time in a racing incident. It went from bad to worse when Bean found himself up against the wall at the newly opened Las Vegas Motor Speedway while practicing in a NASCAR Busch Grand National Series car, Suffering a broken leg. Mr Bean was out of competition.

It wasn't until last year that we saw him in a Winston West car again. Now in 1999 things are looking up for Bean and the Glendora Auto Tech #77 Team. Driving for car owners Joe Nava and Jan Qualkenbush, Bean has shown his peers he is still competitive. So far this season Bean has turned in three top 10s and sits sixth in the standings.

Team: Glendora Auto Tech Motorsports
Car #: 77
Driver: Joe Bean
Owner: Joe Nava---Jan Qualkenbush

RacingWest: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
Joe Bean: Winning. Ha Ha. Actually the competition.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks? Why or why not?
JB: I have one Winston West win here, so I guess that classifies as one of my best tracks. Seriously, Marion Collins & Family have a real nice facility and always treat the racers like part of that family. They always put on a great program for the fans.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track? What do you think it will take to stay up front?
JB: Our strategy will be to conserve my car and have something to race in the late stages of the race.

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?
JB: We run a real soft set-up on our car and when you drive these cars into the corner you end up scraping the front spoilers off. It doesn't affect the handling of my car.

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?
JB: We tested at Mesa Marin and the hot ticket is to get your car to run anywhere on the track (except in the marbles)

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
JB: I think that corner speed is very important at this track.

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
JB: It is not as critical but front and rear spoilers play an important part in airflow.

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?
JB: I started the race last year in a back-up car, but didn't finish. This year I plan to go for the win!!!

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
JB: This car is a Roush car that was built in June of 1998. We bought it from Roush. Those guys have been very helpful to us, especially Harry Lewin.

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?
JB: We don't anticipate any problems.

RW: What was the first event you ever entered at Mesa Marin?
JB: Do you remember where you finished? It was a late model event. Can't remember where I finished.

RW: Do you have any other comments for the fans about the track, race or weekend? Or where they can find you for autographs?
JB: Please come down to the pits after the event so that we can meet and talk. I'll stick around, I promise.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 5/27/99