BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Excitement is in the air at Bakersfield, as several of NASCAR's premier divisions roll into town to compete this weekend at the famous Mesa Marin Raceway. Fans have long anticipated this triple header weekend. Featured this weekend will be the stars of the NASCAR Late Models, NASCAR Featherlite Southwest and NASCAR Winston West series. The track has long been known for it's close, tight racing and fans are presented with some of the best entertainment value to be had.

When it comes to the thrill of short track racing, Mark Reed never fails to enliven the fans. Reed, who resides in Bakersfield, has had some of his greatest success stories at the track often called too challenging to conquest. Most every driver loves the banking and passing opportunity that Mesa Marin offers, but unless the spotter is focused and the driver uses his head the racing action can turn into a crash-fest in an instant.

In eleven starts at the track, Reed has finished 10th or better 70% of the time. One spellbinding night he succeeded in being first to cross the line when it counted. It has been almost 3 years since Reed pulled into victory lane at the raceway. This weekend he would like to reawaken that enchanting moment. Maybe with the right stoke of luck he will.

Team: Reed Motorsports
Car: #04
Driver: Mark Reed

RacingWest: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
Mark Reed: Racing in front of the hometown fans and my two boys Cole and Ryan being able to come watch dad race.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks? Why or why not?
MR: This is my home track and I have more laps here than any other track I really enjoy racing at Mesa.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track? What do you think it will take to stay up front?
MR: Try and qualify up front.

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?
MR: Over the past few years Mesa has developed some track problems in the turns making your shock program very important.

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?
MR: I feel that the second groove is still there and I plan on using it this weekend, however the tires we are running are not as wide as a couple of years ago so it makes utilizing the upper groove more difficult.

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
MR: Mesa takes horsepower, setup, and driving to be fast.

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
MR: Aerodynamics play a part at every track to some degree. Tracks a 1/2 mile and larger it becomes very important.

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?
MR: The Food 4 Less Chevrolet was running great the last race at Mesa Marin but we unfortunately had a rear end break. Our goal for this weekend is to race in the top 5 and have a shot for the win.

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
MR: This is a new Hamke racecar the last race here at Mesa was its first time out.

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?
MR: It is tough to get the car to roll trough the center of turn and not be loose coming off.

RW: What was the first event you ever entered at Mesa Marin? Do you remember where you finished?
MR: I ran my first event at Mesa when I was 15 in the street stock division in 1984.

RW: Do you have any other comments for the fans about the track, race or weekend? Or where they can find you for autographs?
MR: The Food 4 Less Show car will be on display outside the track above turns 1 & 2 please feel free to stop by and pick up an autograph card.

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 5/29/99