KENNY SMITH LIVING A DREAM

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The story has been told time and again, since that day, a few years back when the lives of Kenny Smith and his family were changed forever by a lucky Quick Pick lotto ticket. But has that money changed Smith? Those who know him, say it hasn't.

He was a racer before winning the lotto and is a racer today. The California Lotto is just a sponsor, and yes he still plays it. But now Smith has been able to run a couple seasons in the NASCAR Winston West, that is a dream not all racers experience.

But Mr. Smith has been missing from the last couple of Winston West races, so where has he been? Well, he is still racing but now he is back to racing MSRA PRO 4 or helping son-in-law Scott Porter set-up his NASCAR Mini Stock. And yes, he still follows his dream and races an occasional Winston West race.

The Irwindale Winston West 250 this Saturday will be one of the races he competes in. It may be an inaugural event, but Smith will be a veteran. It is Irwindale Speedway where he has been doing his Saturday night racing in the MSRA PRO 4 division. If anyone knows how to get around the track, Smith does.

Team: Quick Pick Motorsports
Car #: 43
Driver: Kenny Smith
Name/Position of person completing this form: Kimberly Porter/Manager

RacingWest: What are your impressions of the facility by either seeing it or hearing about it?
Kimberly Porter: Great! A mini version of California Speedway

RW: What do you expect from the fans at Irwindale Speedway? Will they know the Winston West drivers?

KP: The fans are very happy about having the Winston West in the San Gabriel Valley. I know we are going to have many people coming out to see us!

RW: Did you have time to take advantage of the test days at the new track and if so, what did you think?
KP: Kenny has been on the track with his MSRA PRO 4 car and getting fast time. He really loves the track and hopes to do well with the Winston West Car.

RW: How has your team prepared for this new track?
KP: Drove the track and having many meetings.

RW: What do you see as most challenging about Irwindale Speedway?
KP: We are going to have to watch our speed, the track is very FAST!!!

RW: Since the track is banked like Tucson, but it is 1/2 mile like Mesa. What kind of setup will you use? More like Mesa or more like Tucson?
KP: MESA

RW: It is rumored that Irwindale may be hard on tires. What is your plan to manage tires at this track?
KP: Watch air pressure, and chassis set-ups

RW: What changes do you regularly make between practice, qualifying and the race? Will this new track be any different?
KP: Chassis

RW: There are possibly 3 grooves at Irwindale. Typically to win you must start up front; can any car win from the back with three grooves?
KP: Oh, Yes! In 250 laps everything can change from lap to lap, (As Per) my MSRA PRO 4 car.

RW: Does it work better for your team to race in LA as opposed to other destinations on the Winston West?
KP: Yes, our team is located generally close so logging is not required.

RW: Will your team be doing any special promotions for sponsors during this weekend? Or where can fans get your autograph?
KP: We will be in the pits, and Irwindale always lets their fans in the pits after the races are over.

RW: Do you carry a good luck charm with you in the car?
KP: Yes, in Kenny's pocket!

RW: Finally when not racing what is your regular job?
KP: Working on all our racecars, MSRA PRO 4 and NASCAR Mini Stock with Scott Porter (Kimberly Porter's husband and Kenny Smith's son-in-law).