Anaheim, CA -- As if one Gilliland wasn't enough, but two? This weekend for the Forum Marketing 200 at Mesa Marin Raceway there will be a double threat on the race track when both Butch Gilliland and son David compete for the win in the 200 lap 100 mile race on the high banked ½ mile oval in Bakersfield.

Butch Gilliland, winner of the past two spring time events at Mesa Marin is looking to make it three in a row this weekend, when he brings his newest race car to the track in hopes of a win. "We haven't brought this car to this track yet, said Butch, but I am excited to run it. It's a good car, we ran it at Fontana and Colorado, now it just needs a win!" The team usually brings their new cars out to the Bakersfield facility to shake down and test their new equipment and data acquisition systems. David Gilliland will run the #11 Ford Thunderbird in this weekends event and hopes to add some more points to his "Rookie of the Year" status.

Following the race on Sunday, the race team will have a car on display at the Just 4 Kids Memorial Day Soapbox Classic at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga. The car will be on display for the full day at this event and is sure to bring on loads of exposure for the race team and their sponsors. Both drivers Butch and David Gilliland are scheduled to attend and sign autographs.

Looking for additional information on the team and their drivers??? Log onto www.butchgilliland.com for up to date information and pictures.

RacingWest Questions

Team: Jenn West Motorsports
Car: #1
Driver: Butch Gilliland
Owner: Jenn West Motorsports

RW: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
BG: The best part of racing at Mesa Marin for us is that it is a local track where we have a lot of fans and family that can attend.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks?
BG: Yes this is one of my better tracks. I have won the last 2 springtime races here and have sat on the pole a few times.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track?
BG: I want to finish on the lead lap and take care of my car throughout 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?
BG: Yes, the cars do bottom out because of the dips and soft suspension.

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 bottom is usually the preferred grove, but my car usually works ok on the second groove.

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
BG: Corner speed is always the most important, but horsepower is a must.

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
BG: It doesn't help quite as much as on a super speedway.

RW: How would you like to improve on your last finish at Mesa Marin?
BG: I would like to win the race with a one-lap margin of victory.

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
BG: We built the car new in April of this year.

RW: What will be the hardest part about setting the car up for this track?
BG: The hardest part will be getting the car to turn in the corner.

RW: Do you have any other comments for the fans about the track, race or weekend?
BG: I really like the track and the fans, and I always try to be available for autographs. One of the best parts of our sport is the closeness of the fans.

Source: RacingWest / Ralphs/Food 4 Less Racing Team
Posted: 5/28/99