Brendan Gaughan began his racing career in 1991 when he entered the off-road race, the Twilight 200. The then 15-year old won the event. In 1992 Walker Evans Racing took him under their wing. The combination has proved to be a successful one. Gaughan captured the Class 13 title in SODA in 1995; in 1996 he changed to the Class 8 division and won the World Championship title. In 1997 Gaughan scored five wins in the SODA Series. In 1998

Gaughan competed in CORR, where he finished 3rd in the standings, and competed in various NASCAR Divisions including the Late Models, the Winston West and the Craftsman Truck division.

Gaughan is currently running the full season in the NASCAR Winston West and has proved he has the skills to be a driver by bringing home several top-tens in the short time he has ran the Series. This weekend Gaughan is set for double duty by competing in both the Winston West and the NASCAR late models.

The fans are thrilled not only by the very personable driver, but also by Gaughan's car. The white #20 car carries the Orleans Gator on the hood. The car has been thrilling kids and adults alike. If points were awarded for paint jobs this car would be high in the standings. Don't miss watching this talented new comer race the "Gator Car" this Sunday at Mesa Marin in Bakersfield. Rumor has it there may even be a gator or two at the track for the kids.

Team: Orleans Motorsports
Car #: 20
Driver: Brendan Gaughan
Owner: Walker Evans Racing

RacingWest: What is the best part of racing at Mesa Marin?
Brendan Gaughan: It's close to home for the Walker Evans Team, and for me. We have a lot of fans at Mesa Marin.

RW: Is this one of your better tracks? Why or why not?
BG: It's getting better. Why? Because I've raced Late Models there a couple of times and I'm becoming more comfortable with the track.

RW: What strategy will you use for this track? What do you think it will take to stay up front?
BG: To qualify up front and to stay up front the whole race. It's so tight, and it's such a small track, that when you're in the back it's tough to pass everybody.

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: If you enter turn 3 correctly, there is no bump. Driving it that way means it doesn't upset my handling and it means that I'm faster than drivers who feel it."

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: I've always been a high-groove driver. I always like the high groove. So if there is a way, I'll make it work. I've made it work in Late Model.

RW: Is Mesa Marin a horsepower track, we hear of teams talking about corner speed and power, which is more important at Mesa?
BG: Horsepower is important at any track. Mesa Marin has more turns than straight-aways so you have to roll through the turn and then have the horsepower to pass on the straight-aways.

RW: Even though at most tracks the NASCAR officials tech the bodies, does aerodynamics help on a 1/2-mile or smaller track?
BG: With as little experience as I have on short tracks, I don't know. Ask me after the race.

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: I won't hit the wall this time.

RW: Where did you get the car that you will be using for this track?
BG: Our primary car for this race will be from the SABCO racing stable, a former Wally Dallenbach car.

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're always legal. The hardest part about the set-up is freeing up enough to make it turn in the middle, but not be loose coming off (the turn).

RW: What was the first event you ever entered at Mesa Marin? Do you remember where you finished?
BG: It was a Late Model race in 1998, and I finished 7th. I think it was my 9th career start.

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: Please come and watch! For all the kids that are 'Gator Car' fans, we'll have plenty of Big Al stuffed aligators for you! I'm always in the pits or at the trailer for anybody who wants an autograph. I'll also be at the driver autograph session."

Source: RacingWest
Posted: 5/30/99