Constant challenger for the points lead and former champion, Bryan Germone, has won before at Mesa Marin, and if things work out the way he would like, he could do it again. Germone first appeared in the Series in 1989 running only 5 races. In 1990 he was back and back strong taking the Series by storm winning Rookie of the Year honors and finishing 4th in the points.

From that time on Germone has been a threat at nearly every event he enters and should definitely be one of the fiercest competitors on the Mesa Marin 1/2-mile come Saturday night. As the sun sinks low behind the dusty Bakersfield hills and the roar of the engines comes to life fans can keep their eye on the #02 Pharb car of Germone. After all, Germone has some ground to make up following the last race at Irwindale. He started that last race right, grabbing the pole, but handling problems sent him to the back of the pack and cost him the points lead. He wants that lead back, the fans can count on Germone to give it his all.

Team: Team Pharb Racing
Car: #02
Driver: Bryan Germone
Owner: Petty Racing

RacingWest: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
Bryan Germone: I think that Mesa Marin is one of the better 1/2 mile tracks that the Southwest Series gets a chance to race on. Because of the speed and passing, it is always a good show for the fans.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks? Why or why not?
BG: Yes, because I feel that I have a good fan base and the track fits well with my driving style. -- And of course, Mesa Marin is one of my favorite tracks because I have won there two times.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track? What do you think it will take to stay up front?
BG: My goal is to try to qualify in the top five spots and start up front. The race goal is to keep my tires in good shape throughout the whole 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?
BG: Yes, this has happened to us as well. We have been running a softer set up, but it doesn't seem to upset the car too much when hitting the bump.

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?
BG: The new sealant that they laid on the track has made the top groove slick. The tires don't want to stick up there. I am hoping that this race at Mesa will be back to a two-groove racetrack.

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
BG: It never hurts to have good horsepower. But corner speed is always very important. The better corner speed that you have, the faster you can get down the straightaway. This is something that I work on all the time.

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
BG: No, I don't think that aerodynamics play a huge part at tracks that are 1/2 mile or smaller. I think that aerodynamics really comes into play at speeds of 120mph or faster.

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?
BG: Last time the car was a little tight in the middle, but Dan Joiner, Jr. and I have talked about Mesa Marin in the last week and he feels that he can fix that problem for this race. BUT of course, qualifying well will help.

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
BG: I will be driving a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo from Phil Perry Racing Chassis in Sacramento, California.

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?
BG: We get the chance to race at Mesa Marin three times a year so all the cars should be ready for tech when they get there. We all know what to expect from the Track and NASCAR.

RW: What was the first event you ever entered at Mesa Marin? Do you remember where you finished?
BG: In 1989 I raced my first race at Mesa Marin. As I recall, I didn't have a very good race.

RW: Do you have any other comments for the fans about the track, race or weekend? Or where they can find you for autographs?
BG: I always try to do my best for the fans out there in Bakersfield. I am really excited about my new sponsor PHARB. Fans can find me at my trailer after the race in the pits. Just in case you haven't been able to find me in my #5 car, I have had a number change in the beginning of this year. The #5 car is now the #02 car. Same cars, same driver, just a different paint job and car number.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 5/28/99